Four lawmakers in Rivers State reversed course on Friday, throwing their weight behind impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu, accusing the pair of spurning dialogue in favour of media attacks.
The U-turn by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo, Peter Abbey, Barile Nwakoh and Emilia Amadi came days after they had advocated for a peaceful resolution to the escalating political crisis, which has pitted the state assembly against the executive.
Speaking during a live broadcast outside the assembly complex in Port Harcourt, Nwankwo said: “You will recall that on the 12th day of January 2026, myself and my colleague, Honourable Peter Abbey, addressed the press, wherein we made a plea to our colleagues to seek for a political solution to this impasse that is going on between the Assembly and the Governor of Rivers State.”
He added: “During the pendency of this appeal, we found out that the governor and the deputy governor, they have all employed their media boys and aides to continuously attack the Rivers State House of Assembly instead of seeking for the political solution which we offer, it is on this basis that I, Honourable Sylvanus Nwankwo, and my fellow colleague here, Honorable Peter Abbey, say that the impeachment proceedings should continue.”
Nwakoh and Amadi echoed the sentiment, stating they supported the move after determining that Fubara and Odu lacked interest in talks.
The impeachment effort, spearheaded by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, was launched last week over claims of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the assembly building and improper use of state funds.
The assembly failed to hold a scheduled session on Thursday amid reports of internal rifts, but the lawmakers’ reversal could inject fresh impetus into the process.
