The political crisis in Rivers State escalated on Friday as the House of Assembly openly reaffirmed its determination to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, from office, dismissing calls for compromise.
Speaking during a live press briefing, lawmakers accused the governor of actions they described as eroding confidence and worsening the stalemate that has gripped the state’s political landscape.
According to the legislators, Fubara no longer commands the level of trust required to lead the state through the ongoing turmoil.
They alleged that his conduct amounted to intimidation of the legislature, further straining relations between the executive and the parliament.
“The House has been pushed to a point where constitutional duty must override political sentiment,” one lawmaker said, insisting that the impeachment move was a lawful response to alleged violations of the 1999 Constitution.
The Assembly maintained that its decision was not driven by personal grievances but by what it termed a responsibility to protect democratic institutions and uphold legislative authority.
While standing firm on impeachment, the lawmakers acknowledged the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, commending his efforts to calm tensions and prevent a total breakdown of governance in the oil-producing state.
They also urged Speaker Martin Amaewhule to immediately reconvene plenary sessions, arguing that legislative business could no longer remain stalled amid deepening uncertainty.
In a notable twist, four lawmakers who had previously advocated for dialogue and a political settlement reversed their positions, publicly declaring support for the impeachment process.
Moments after the briefing, Assembly members proceeded to the chamber, where legislative activities resumed amid heightened security and public attention.
During plenary, the House unanimously approved the commencement of an investigation into allegations of gross misconduct leveled against Governor Fubara and his deputy, a move that formally advanced the impeachment process.