The political crisis in Rivers State took a new turn on Monday as two members of the State House of Assembly withdrew from the impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The lawmakers, Sylvanus Nwankwo, who represents Omuma State Constituency and serves as the Minority Leader of the Assembly, and Peter Abbey, representing Degema State Constituency, announced their decision at a press conference in Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara had earlier been served a notice of impeachment by members of the Assembly amid a prolonged political dispute involving his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Addressing journalists, Nwankwo and Abbey appealed to their colleagues to suspend the impeachment process, urging the House to allow peace to prevail in the state.
READ ALSO: Impeachment: Move against Fubara an assault on Tinubu, MOSOP tells Rivers Assembly
While acknowledging that the governor may have committed constitutional infractions, they said appeals from elders and other stakeholders necessitated a reconsideration of the action.
Rivers’ Political Crisis Requires Dialogue, Not Confrontation
According to them, the escalating political tension in the state required restraint and dialogue rather than further confrontation.
Their decision has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians, particularly on social media, following the circulation of a video from the press conference.
Some commentators welcomed the move, describing it as a step towards de-escalation, while others questioned the lawmakers’ motives and the sincerity of their intervention.
READ ALSO: Rivers APC Rejects Moves to Impeach Gov Fubara
A number of critics also argued that the impeachment process had already exposed deep divisions within the Assembly.
The development is seen as a sign of widening cracks within the political camp aligned with the former governor, as pressure mounts on all sides to resolve the crisis rocking the oil-rich state.
The impeachment proceedings against Fubara have continued to draw national attention, with calls from various quarters for President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore stability in Rivers State.
Political observers say the unfolding events underscore the intense power struggle ahead of the 2027 general elections and the fragile nature of political alliances within the state.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
