January 13, 2026 l By Stephen — Dalena Reporters
PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State, Nigeria — Two prominent members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have publicly withdrawn their support for the ongoing impeachment effort against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, urging their colleagues to halt the process and seek a peaceful political settlement to the deepening crisis in the oil-rich state.
At a press briefing held in Port Harcourt on Monday, Hon. Sylvanus Enyi Nwankwo, Minority Leader of the Assembly representing the Omuma State Constituency, and Hon. Peter Abbey, member for Degema State Constituency, announced their decision to step back from the impeachment campaign and appealed to the legislature to “temper justice with mercy” in resolving the dispute.
The lawmakers referenced numerous calls from traditional leaders, elders and influential stakeholders both within and outside Rivers State who have expressed concern that a protracted impeachment could inflame political tensions and destabilise governance in the region. “We have listened to so many pleas … begging for leniency,” Nwankwo told reporters, asserting that despite alleged constitutional breaches by the governor and deputy, a more amicable approach would better serve the state’s interests.
The intervention underscores a growing divide within the 10th Assembly over the impeachment strategy, which was launched last week when a notice alleging gross misconduct by Fubara and his deputy was formally served. A sizeable bloc of lawmakers had endorsed the move, citing alleged violations of constitutional provisions as grounds for removal.
Abbey echoed his colleague’s call for restraint, emphasising that political disagreements should not eclipse opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation. He stressed that Governor Fubara also bears responsibility for ensuring that future actions adhere strictly to constitutional norms, a stance aimed at building trust and creating space for negotiation.
The decision by the two lawmakers comes amid heightened tensions in Rivers State’s political landscape, which has been marked by a lingering power struggle between Governor Fubara and influential political actors, including former governor and current federal minister, Nyesom Wike. Recent developments have seen repeated impeachment attempts, judicial interventions, and appeals for federal involvement to avert governance breakdowns.
Governor Fubara, for his part, has called for calm and stability in the state, urging residents and political stakeholders alike to prioritise peace and dialogue as the impeachment process unfolds. Analysts say the evolving situation underscores broader concerns about institutional cohesion and political conflict resolution in Nigeria’s subnational governance.
As the Assembly considers the lawmakers’ appeal, observers note that the coming days will be critical in determining whether the impeachment effort will regain momentum or give way to negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions and preserving the stability of Rivers State’s government.