The political turmoil in Rivers State has taken a surprising turn with two members of the State House of Assembly publicly withdrawing their support for the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This move signals a potential crack within the camp of his political godfather and former governor, Nyesom Wike.
Lawmakers Make a U-Turn, Appeal for Peace
In a significant development on Monday, January 12, 2026, two legislators held a press conference to announce their reversal. The lawmakers are Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, who represents Omuma State Constituency and serves as the Assembly's Minority Leader, and Hon. Peter Abbey from Degema State Constituency.
They called on their colleagues to "temper justice with mercy" and stop the move to remove the governor from office. While acknowledging that Governor Fubara had committed constitutional breaches, they stated that interventions from state elders and the need for stability prompted their change of heart.
"We have received calls from elders, and there is a need to allow peace to reign," they affirmed during the conference.
Nigerians React to the Political Drama
The video from the press conference quickly circulated online, sparking varied reactions from citizens across Nigeria. The comments highlight the deep divisions and suspicions surrounding the crisis.
Ahmed Ololu suggested partisan immunity, stating, "This is APC. There is nothing like impeachment here; everybody should follow order here."
Gbenga Giwa expressed distrust in Governor Fubara's promises, questioning the lawmakers' initial position: "Did these 2 members sign the impeachment letter?... I support their call, but my worry is, Fubara cannot be trusted on anything he says."
Another user, Pato Pato, speculated on external political influence, noting, "Wike will have a huge nut to crack if Hope (Uzodimma) decides to back Fubara all the way." This points to the potential involvement of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma in the maneuvering.
Adebanji dismissed the entire impeachment threat as political theater, calling it "empty drama" and "initial 'gragra'." He predicted Fubara would complete his term, framing the real battle as the succession war for 2027.
Austin criticized the lawmakers' public declaration, warning, "They put themselves at risk for nothing."
Implications for Rivers State Politics
This defection, though involving only two members, is politically symbolic. It reveals fractures within the pro-Wike camp that initiated the impeachment notice against Governor Fubara. The invocation of elders' intervention suggests behind-the-scenes efforts to de-escalate the crisis that has paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state.
The situation remains fluid, with the governor's fate hanging in the balance. The Assembly, which had earlier served the impeachment notice, must now contend with internal dissent while the public watches to see if this reversal will embolden other lawmakers to seek a political solution or if the push for impeachment will continue unabated.
