Fresh indications emerged on Monday that the impeachment process initiated against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, may not go far, following behind-the-scenes efforts and an alleged intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that 26 lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress in the Rivers State House of Assembly, largely aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, last Thursday initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
However, a prominent Niger Delta elder and Ijaw leader, who spoke to Vanguard on the development, expressed optimism that the crisis would soon be resolved.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel for the governor. There is always light over darkness, right over impunity,” the elder said.
The Ijaw leader disclosed that efforts were ongoing behind the scenes to prevent the situation from escalating, though he declined to give details.
He said, “We are doing a lot of things in the background that I cannot disclose.
“But I can assure you that the impeachment process will not go anywhere. By God’s grace, all these things will be settled.”
Tinubu Reportedly Orders Suspension
Meanwhile, there are unconfirmed reports that President Tinubu, who is also the national leader of the APC, has directed the Rivers State House of Assembly to immediately suspend all impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy.
According to Vanguard, the President further instructed the lawmakers to consult with the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, for further directives.
The President was also said to have warned the legislators to desist from actions capable of further polarising the state.