Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday said they would press ahead with impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, despite failing to reconvene after issuing a seven-day ultimatum.
The lawmakers made the declaration during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, one day after the House did not sit as scheduled, raising fresh questions about the direction of the deepening political crisis in the oil-rich state.
Lawmakers insisted the impeachment process followed due process and was grounded in the constitution. They also warned the governor against framing the standoff along ethnic or tribal lines.
Impeachment Backed by Constitution, Lawmakers Say
The Assembly had, on January 8, invoked Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, serving a notice of alleged gross misconduct on the governor and his deputy. Allegations cited included the demolition of the Assembly complex and expenditure without legislative approval and public expenditure clearance.
Following that sitting, plenary was adjourned to January 15. However, when the ultimatum expired, the Assembly complex remained shut, with security personnel guarding the premises and no legislative activity taking place.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, had earlier informed journalists that lawmakers would not sit that day.
Cracks Emerge as Four Lawmakers Withdraw
The impeachment momentum has since weakened. Four of the 26 lawmakers who signed the impeachment notice publicly withdrew their support earlier in the week.
Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo and three others appealed to their colleagues to halt the process and seek an amicable resolution of the crisis. They said their appeal followed consultations with respected elders and leaders within and outside Rivers State.
According to them, the gravity of removing an elected governor required deep reflection, dialogue, and broader consultation.
Political Tensions, Quiet Governor
Despite the uncertainty, Governor Fubara has continued with official duties and has avoided public comment on the impeachment process.
Sources told The Guardian that President Bola Tinubu and senior political figures in Abuja were displeased with the impeachment move, a factor believed to be shaping the unfolding events.
