Port Harcourt, Rivers State – January 14, 2026 – The ongoing impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, have suffered a significant setback following the withdrawal of support by four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The latest defections, announced on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, reflect a growing push within the legislative chamber for dialogue and reconciliation rather than confrontation amid the state's protracted political crisis.
Barile Nwakoh, representing Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II publicly distanced themselves from the impeachment effort in separate statements. Their decisions came less than 48 hours after Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency) and Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency) made similar announcements during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, January 12, 2026. Nwankwo and Abbey urged their colleagues to explore alternative mechanisms for resolving the impasse, warning that prolonged tension could further destabilize governance and undermine public trust in the state's institutions.
While acknowledging potential breaches of constitutional provisions by the governor and deputy, the withdrawing lawmakers emphasized interventions by respected leaders and stakeholders who appealed for restraint in the interest of peace, stability, and the overall development of Rivers State. Nwakoh and Amadi specifically called on their colleagues to prioritize dialogue over the impeachment process, arguing that escalation could exacerbate divisions and hinder effective administration.
With these latest withdrawals, four of the original 26 lawmakers who signed the notice of alleged gross misconduct—dated January 5, 2026—have now backed away from the move. The notice, which triggered the formal impeachment proceedings under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), accused Fubara and Odu of multiple infractions, including alleged refusal to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill, extra-budgetary spending, defiance of court orders, and actions threatening legislative autonomy. The House, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had adjourned proceedings on January 8, 2026, after initiating the process and suspending consideration of the state's Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and 2026 budget until the investigation concludes.
The Rivers State House of Assembly is scheduled to reconvene plenary on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Attention has now shifted to how the leadership will manage the deepening divisions within the 32-member chamber. Analysts suggest the defections could complicate the required two-thirds majority (at least 22 votes) needed to proceed with investigation and potential removal, marking a notable shift in momentum since the third attempt at impeachment began earlier this month.
The political crisis in Rivers State traces back to long-standing tensions between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The feud escalated dramatically in 2023, leading to the demolition of the Assembly complex, defections, court battles, and a six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in 2025. Although the emergency rule ended and a peace accord was reportedly signed, underlying issues persisted, culminating in the current impeachment drive. The Assembly has accused Fubara of failing to present budgets properly and undermining legislative powers, while critics of the process argue it is politically motivated and tied to Wike's influence over a majority of lawmakers.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, which Fubara recently joined after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has rejected the impeachment proceedings, describing them as an attempt to import PDP internal disputes into the APC. Party leaders maintain that no wrongdoing occurred regarding the 2026 budget, as a transitional appropriation approved by the National Assembly during the emergency rule remains in effect until August 2026.
The withdrawals have been welcomed by pro-Fubara groups and civil society organizations, who view them as a step toward de-escalation. Supporters argue that continued impeachment efforts could disrupt governance, delay development projects, and heighten insecurity in an oil-rich state already grappling with economic and social challenges. Calls for mediation by respected elders, traditional rulers, and national figures have intensified, with some stakeholders urging a return to the spirit of previous peace agreements.
Governor Fubara has not issued a direct public response to the latest developments as of Wednesday evening, but aides have indicated the administration remains focused on service delivery and constitutional compliance. The governor has previously described the crisis as externally driven and emphasized his commitment to peace.
As the Assembly prepares to reconvene tomorrow, the political landscape in Rivers State hangs in the balance. The defections signal potential fractures in the pro-impeachment bloc and raise questions about the sustainability of the process. Observers anticipate intense lobbying and possible further announcements ahead of Thursday's session, which could determine whether the impeachment advances or collapses under mounting calls for dialogue.
This episode underscores the fragility of political alliances in Nigeria's sub-national governance, where personal loyalties, institutional powers, and external influences often intersect. The coming days will be critical in shaping the trajectory of Rivers State's leadership and its ability to deliver dividends of democracy to its citizens.
