Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to suspend ongoing impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Nma Odu, urging dialogue and restraint amid rising political tension in the state.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Minority Leader of the House, Sylvanus Nwankwo, alongside the lawmaker representing Degema Constituency, Peter Abbey, said the call followed widespread appeals from elders, political leaders, residents, and constituents across Rivers State and beyond.
Nwankwo acknowledged that impeachment notices had been issued against both the governor and his deputy but urged lawmakers to explore peaceful alternatives.
“We appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and consider how this matter can be resolved without resorting to impeachment proceedings,” he said. “Having listened to the voices of our elders and leaders within and outside the state, we are begging our colleagues to reconsider and seek an amicable resolution, even though there are claims that the governor and his deputy have breached constitutional provisions.”
Last Thursday, the Assembly reportedly served impeachment notices on Governor Fubara and Professor Odu over allegations of gross misconduct. The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice endorsed by 26 lawmakers, detailing a series of accusations against the governor.
The allegations include the alleged spending of more than ₦800 billion outside the approved budget without legislative consent, withholding statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, the demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged disobedience of Supreme Court judgments relating to legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor, accusing her of colluding in unconstitutional expenditures.
Following the presentation, the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, announced that the impeachment notices would be formally served on the governor and his deputy within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions. However, Governor Fubara has since stated that he is yet to receive any such notice.
The latest development represents a renewed escalation of Rivers State’s long-running political crisis, rooted in the rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Previous impeachment efforts in 2023 and 2025 were halted after presidential interventions, before President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state last March, temporarily easing tensions.
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