Rivers State Assembly Officially Suspends Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor and Deputy
The political landscape in Rivers State has taken a significant turn as the State House of Assembly has formally halted the impeachment proceedings targeting Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. This decisive action was taken during a resumed legislative sitting held in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on February 19, 2026.
Motion to Suspend Impeachment Process Passed
In a session that captured widespread attention, members of the Assembly moved and passed a motion to suspend the ongoing impeachment process. This development marks a pivotal moment in the state's recent political turmoil, effectively putting on hold the legal actions that had been initiated against the state's top executives.
Background of the Political Impasse
The decision to suspend the impeachment comes barely a week after President Bola Tinubu intervened in the renewed political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This intervention appears to have played a crucial role in de-escalating tensions.
Earlier in January, Assembly members loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike had issued a formal notice of impeachment against Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu. The allegations cited gross misconduct as the primary grounds for the impeachment proceedings, setting the stage for a protracted political confrontation.
Implications of the Suspension
The suspension of the impeachment process suggests a temporary cooling of political hostilities in Rivers State. However, the underlying issues that led to the impeachment notice remain unresolved. Political analysts are closely monitoring whether this pause will lead to lasting reconciliation or merely represent a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing power struggle.
The Assembly's decision reflects the complex dynamics of Rivers State politics, where allegiances to former and current leaders continue to shape legislative actions. As the situation evolves, stakeholders across the state await further developments that will determine the stability of the current administration.
