The political turmoil in Rivers State witnessed a major twist on Tuesday as two additional members of the State House of Assembly publicly urged their colleagues to abandon the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
WahalaUpdate gathered that the appeal by Barile Nwakoh of Khana Constituency I and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II marks a significant fracture within the legislative house and comes just 24 hours after two other lawmakers, Sylvanus Nwankwo and Peter Abbey, appealed for their colleagues to “temper justice with mercy” and explore peaceful resolution options outside the impeachment process.
Dissenting Legislators Flip Under Elders’ Intense Pressure
The four dissenting legislators have cited intense pressure from elders, traditional rulers, and leaders both within and outside Rivers State as the primary reason for their change of position.
While acknowledging alleged constitutional infringements by the governor, they have emphasized a humanitarian and reconciliatory approach to the crisis.
Despite the emerging cracks, the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that the impeachment process is constitutionally underway.
The House Committee on Information released a January 9 statement confirming formal action against key officials.
Notices of allegations now target Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu directly.
Lawmakers Invoke Constitution Section 188, Serve Impeachment Notices Swiftly
Invoking Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, lawmakers served these documents to initiate proceedings swiftly.
This constitutional step outlines the impeachment process for elected executives clearly.
Governor Fubara received his notice, triggering mandatory responses within the stipulated legal timelines.
Failure to comply escalates the panel’s investigative and recommendation phases promptly.
Deputy Governor Odu faces identical service, ensuring both principals engage the process equally.
The House emphasizes transparency as constitutional duties unfold in Rivers State politics.
Governor Fubara faces seven counts of gross misconduct, leveled by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Charges Strike at Governance, Legislative Core Fundamentally
These charges strike at core governance and legislative relations fundamentally.
First, the controversial demolition of the Assembly complex draws sharp criticism from lawmakers.
This action symbolizes defiance, fueling accusations of undermining democratic institutions deliberately.
Extra-budgetary expenditures form another key allegation, bypassing approved financial protocols entirely.
Such spending raises alarms over fiscal accountability and transparency in state resource management.
Withholding funds from the Assembly Service Commission completes the grave charges listed.
This move allegedly cripples legislative operations, intensifying the impeachment push aggressively.
Deputy Odu Accused of Reckless Spending, Obstructing Legislature
Deputy Governor Odu faces accusations of reckless spending and obstructing legislative activities.
Interestingly, while the Assembly claims formal service of notices, sources close to Governor Fubara insist that as of Monday evening.
No official impeachment notice had been received by the Governor or his deputy.
This impeachment attempt is the second against Fubara and Odu in less than a year, rooted in a protracted political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory Minister.
The crisis previously led to a six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.
PANDEF Forms 7-Man Committee to Reconcile Rivers Crisis
The committee has been given two weeks to mediate between the warring parties and submit a report.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has called for calm, assuring residents during a church service that peace would be restored.
“Dogs Bark When They Don’t Understand,” Fubara Stays Silent
In a metaphorical statement, he remarked, “dogs dey bark wen dem no understand,” indicating his deliberate silence in the face of political distractions and his reliance on faith.
As the constitutional seven-day period for the governor and deputy to respond to the allegations progresses.
All eyes remain on whether the Assembly will still push for the impeachment or if more lawmakers will join the call for a political solution over a constitutional confrontation.
