The political temperature in Rivers State is showing signs of cooling as key actors pull back from the brink of a full-blown constitutional crisis. Efforts to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara are encountering significant internal resistance, with a growing number of state legislators now publicly advocating for caution and dialogue over confrontation.
Lawmakers Shift Stance, Urge Suspension of Proceedings
Four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have now called for a halt to the impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The latest appeals came from Barile Nwakoh of Khana State Constituency I and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor State Constituency II, who made their position known on January 14, 2026.
This development follows similar calls made just 48 hours earlier by the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo of Omuma State Constituency, and Peter Abbey of Degema State Constituency. The lawmakers, while not dismissing the allegations of constitutional breaches, stated that their change of heart followed interventions from respected leaders within the state who warned of the dangerous consequences of escalation.
They have urged their colleagues to explore alternative, peaceful means to resolve the impasse and restore political stability. With these four reversals, the once-unified front of the 26 lawmakers who initially endorsed the impeachment notice is now showing visible cracks. The Assembly is scheduled to reconvene to deliberate further as the situation remains fluid.
Traditional Rulers and IPAC Enter the Fray
In a significant parallel move, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has established a nine-member mediation committee to de-escalate tensions. The committee, announced on January 14 and chaired by His Majesty Dr. Suanu T. Y. Baridam, has a mandate to engage all political stakeholders and propose sustainable solutions for lasting peace.
The council issued a stern warning, specifically calling on social media users and public commentators to avoid inflammatory remarks that could worsen the crisis. They appealed for restraint from all factions to prevent a breakdown of law and order, emphasizing that peace is fundamental to the state's socio-economic well-being.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has directly contradicted a claim made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Wike had asserted that political parties in Rivers had united under a "Rainbow Coalition" or "Renewed Hope Family" to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
IPAC's National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, dismissed this, stating that Wike lacks the mandate to speak for political parties or dictate their alliances. Martins revealed, however, that some parties are independently considering offering unconditional support to Governor Fubara in 2027, which could include not fielding governorship candidates to promote stability.
A Recurring Pattern of Political Strife
Security expert and analyst Jackson Lekan-Ojo provided historical context, arguing that the current feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, is not an anomaly. He described it as part of a long-standing, negative pattern in Rivers State politics where successors consistently fall out with their benefactors.
"If anything, it is unique in a negative sense. It is a politics where the law of karma appears to be supreme," Lekan-Ojo stated. He traced the cycle of discord from the era of former Governor Ada George and Peter Odili, through the rift between Rotimi Amaechi and Odili, to the fallout between Wike and Amaechi.
Lekan-Ojo defended Governor Fubara's independence, rejecting claims that he is acting on a script from politicians in Abuja. He emphasized Fubara's competence as a former career civil servant and Accountant-General who now rightfully holds the state's highest office.
The analyst pointed a finger at the political benefits accruing to President Bola Tinubu from the crisis, accusing him of applying a "divide and rule" principle by maintaining good relations with both Fubara and his appointee, Wike. He urged President Tinubu to intervene as a statesman to call both parties to order, warning that without urgent de-escalation, Rivers risks remaining trapped in a disgraceful cycle of conflict.
