The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, failed to resume plenary on Thursday, a week after adjourning its last sitting. Observers attributed the inactivity to rumours that some lawmakers were planning to impeach the Speaker during the scheduled session.
The Assembly had previously commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, citing alleged gross misconduct, including the demolition of the Assembly complex and spending without legislative approval. Lawmakers had given the governor seven days to respond before adjourning until Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Amid growing political pushback, four lawmakers formally withdrew their support for the impeachment between Monday and Wednesday, calling for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. On Thursday, the Assembly remained inactive, and no official explanation was provided regarding the postponement or the next sitting.
A top government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the lawmakers’ conduct as theatrical. “The other time they sat and gave the governor a week to respond. Now these people are like Nollywood players—they can act,” he said. “If there was an attempt to impeach Amaewhule, I think he decided not to reconvene the House after getting wind of it.”
Former federal lawmaker Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, who represented Etche/Omuma Constituency, said the withdrawal of some lawmakers reflected a growing awareness in the House of the need for reconciliation. “Quite a number of people are reassessing the situation. The expectation is that when the House reconvenes, they will work towards a constructive direction,” he said.
Earlier in the week, Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo and Peter Abbey formally withdrew support for the impeachment at a press briefing, urging colleagues to seek a political solution. Female lawmakers Barile Nwakoh and Emilia Amadi also appealed for dialogue, commending interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The lawmakers blamed the crisis on alleged constitutional infringements by Governor Fubara and his deputy and called for adherence to prior agreements. Several civil society and political groups, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum and Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum, have also intervened to mediate and restore harmony between the executive and legislative arms.
Observers say the developments signal a cautious recalibration within the Assembly, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation as lawmakers and the Speaker navigate a volatile political climate.
