In a significant escalation of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, four members of the State House of Assembly have reversed their earlier position and reaffirmed their commitment to the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers announced their U-turn at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday, stating that Governor Fubara has shown "no remorse" over the allegations of gross misconduct leveled against him by the legislature.
This development is the latest twist in a protracted power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The feud, which began in late 2023, centers on control of the state's political structure and has split the state assembly into factions.
In late 2025, an impeachment notice was initially served by lawmakers loyal to Wike, citing constitutional breaches and financial misconduct. The process appeared to stall following reported intervention from President Bola Tinubu and appeals for peace from various stakeholders, including elder statesmen and the state's traditional rulers. Some lawmakers had reportedly softened their stance in recent weeks, leading to speculation that the impeachment threat was receding.
The decision by the four legislators to publicly recommit to the impeachment indicates a hardening of positions and suggests the political truce may be unraveling. Their statement that the governor has shown no contrition implies that back-channel negotiations may have failed.
The move threatens to reignite the impeachment proceedings, plunging the state back into a period of intense legislative-executive confrontation and uncertainty. It also puts pressure on other assembly members to declare their stance, potentially forcing a decisive vote that could determine Governor Fubara's political fate.
The Rivers State Government has yet to issue an official response to the lawmakers' latest declaration. The situation remains fluid, with the potential to significantly alter the state's political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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