Rivers Assembly Halts Fubara Impeachment Proceedings

The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended impeachment proceedings initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, marking a significant shift in the state’s ongoing political tensions.

The decision was taken on Thursday during the Assembly’s resumed plenary in Port Harcourt, where lawmakers adopted a motion to halt the impeachment process. The development follows days of heightened political uncertainty and signals a possible easing of the standoff between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Although the House did not immediately disclose detailed reasons for the suspension, the move is widely seen as linked to recent intervention efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at restoring stability in the state’s political environment.

Sources within the Assembly indicated that the motion received broad support from members present at the sitting, effectively pausing further legislative actions related to the impeachment notice earlier issued against the governor and his deputy.

The impeachment proceedings had intensified political debates across Rivers State, with observers warning of potential governance disruptions and institutional instability. Thursday’s resolution is expected to calm immediate concerns over a constitutional crisis.

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Political analysts say the Assembly’s decision could open a window for dialogue and reconciliation among the state’s key political actors.

“This suspension suggests a recognition of the need to prioritise governance and political stability,” a Port Harcourt-based political commentator said.

The crisis had drawn national attention, prompting calls from stakeholders, civil society groups, and political leaders for restraint and adherence to constitutional processes. President Tinubu’s involvement reportedly focused on encouraging peaceful resolution and safeguarding democratic institutions.

While details of the President’s intervention remain limited, insiders suggest that consultations were held with relevant actors to de-escalate tensions.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has yet to issue an official response to the Assembly’s decision. However, government sources described the suspension as a “welcome development” that would allow the administration to concentrate on policy implementation and service delivery.

Similarly, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu has not publicly commented on the matter as of press time.

The Rivers Assembly’s action effectively freezes the impeachment process unless lawmakers decide to revive it through a fresh motion or resolution. Constitutional experts note that such suspensions are permissible within legislative procedures.

Residents and stakeholders across the state have expressed cautious optimism, hoping the decision will reduce political friction and foster cooperation between the executive and legislature.

The political situation in Rivers State has been closely watched in recent months, given its implications for governance, security, and economic activities in one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing regions.

For now, the Assembly’s resolution has brought temporary relief to the state’s political landscape, with attention shifting to whether the truce will translate into lasting political reconciliation.