Efforts to avert impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, began on Monday with the formation of a seven-member peace committee by the Pan-Niger Delta Elders’ Forum (PANDEF). The committee, chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), has two weeks to submit its report.
The panel also includes former Housing Minister Chief Essien Nduese, Senator Obende Domingo (Vice Chairman), retired Federal Permanent Secretary Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, former DSS Director Chief Mike Ejiofor, former Cross River State Attorney-General Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem (SAN), and Prince Godwin Okotie as secretary. Its mandate is to resolve differences between the governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
The political crisis escalated last week after lawmakers served impeachment notices on the governor and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct, giving them seven days to respond. Fubara’s supporters linked the move to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove him, a position rejected by the North-Central APC Forum, which described the call as politically motivated and potentially disruptive to FCT development.
A source said President Tinubu reportedly intervened in the matter following a meeting with Fubara outside the country, advising the governor to implement agreements reached with lawmakers. Fubara subsequently left Rivers for Abuja to consult with APC national chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. At a church service commemorating Armed Forces Remembrance Day, he pledged to restore peace in the state.
Meanwhile, two lawmakers, Sylvanus Nwankwo, Majority Leader, and Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency), appealed to colleagues to exercise leniency. They urged the Assembly to seek an amicable resolution outside impeachment proceedings, emphasizing that while constitutional infringements occurred, dialogue and compromise could prevent escalation.
PANDEF National Chairman Dr. Godknows Igali said the committee’s role is strictly mediatory and not judicial. Speaking on behalf of the panel, Chief Agabi stressed that parties were urged to embrace reconciliation and make necessary sacrifices to restore peace, ensure stability, and safeguard the welfare of Rivers citizens.
The North-Central APC Forum also opposed calls for Wike’s resignation, describing him as a competent minister whose removal could undermine ongoing development projects in Abuja. Its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, said Wike’s leadership had positively impacted the FCT, in contrast to previous administrations.
