Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have formally withdrawn from the impeachment process initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, marking a notable development in the deepening political crisis rocking the oil-rich state.
The lawmakers, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, who represents Omuma State Constituency and serves as the Minority Leader, and Hon. Peter Abbey of Degema State Constituency, announced their decision after days of mounting tension following the Assembly’s move to commence impeachment proceedings.
Their withdrawal comes barely days after the House began steps to remove the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, a move that further escalated the long-running power struggle between Governor Fubara and political forces loyal to his predecessor, former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the two lawmakers said they had reconsidered their stance after extensive consultations with constituents, elders, political leaders and other stakeholders who appealed for restraint and dialogue in resolving the crisis.
Nwankwo and Abbey stressed that while disagreements and constitutional concerns may exist, impeachment should not be treated as the first option, warning that the process could worsen political instability and disrupt governance in Rivers State.
They called on their colleagues in the Assembly to explore reconciliation mechanisms and political dialogue, arguing that the interest of the state and its citizens should outweigh partisan considerations and personal loyalties.
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The impeachment attempt has drawn widespread reactions across the state and beyond, with civil society groups, opposition parties and prominent political figures expressing concern over its potential consequences for peace and development in Rivers State.
Despite the withdrawal of the two lawmakers, the Rivers State House of Assembly has maintained that the impeachment process remains ongoing, insisting that the action of individual members does not automatically invalidate the proceedings.
Governor Fubara, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, has repeatedly appealed for calm, assuring residents that his administration remains focused on governance and the delivery of democratic dividends amid the political turbulence.
Analysts say the latest development may signal cracks within the Assembly and could influence the overall trajectory of the impeachment move, as attention now shifts to whether more lawmakers will reconsider their positions or whether the House will push ahead to its logical conclusion.
