By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Rivers State House of Assembly has halted impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, signaling a potential de-escalation in the protracted political crisis that has gripped the oil-rich state in recent months.
The decision followed a closed-door session of the Assembly on Thursday in Port Harcourt, where lawmakers resolved to suspend further legislative action on the impeachment notice earlier served on the governor. The move comes amid heightened political tensions and sustained calls from stakeholders for dialogue and reconciliation.
Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, announced the development after the meeting, saying the Assembly was acting in the interest of peace and stability in Rivers State.
According to him, “The Rivers State House of Assembly, after extensive deliberations, has resolved to halt all impeachment-related processes concerning the governor for now. This decision is guided by the overriding need to preserve peace and allow ongoing consultations to yield meaningful results.”
Amaewhule stressed that the suspension should not be misconstrued as a withdrawal of the Assembly’s constitutional powers but rather a strategic pause to allow political tensions in the state to cool.
“Our constitutional responsibilities remain intact. However, we are mindful of the need to prioritise the stability of Rivers State and the welfare of our people,” he added.
The impeachment proceedings had heightened political anxiety in the state, coming against the backdrop of a deepening rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Political observers say the latest move by the Assembly may be linked to ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts by key stakeholders to broker peace between the feuding camps.
Reacting to the development, a senior official in the state government who spoke on condition of anonymity described the decision as “a welcome step toward restoring political calm.
“The governor has always maintained his commitment to governance and the rule of law. We believe dialogue, not confrontation, is the way forward,” the official said.
Civil society groups and community leaders have also welcomed the suspension, urging both sides to use the opportunity to pursue genuine reconciliation.
Chairman of the Rivers Elders Forum, Chief Tamunotonye Douglas, said the Assembly’s decision reflects growing concern over the potential impact of the crisis on governance and development in the state.
“This pause is necessary. Rivers people want stability, not endless political battles. We urge all parties to sheath their swords and put the interest of the state first,” he said.
Despite the suspension, analysts caution that the underlying political dispute remains unresolved and could resurface if reconciliation efforts fail.
A Port Harcourt–based political analyst, Dr. Ibifuro Johnson, noted that the Assembly’s action appears tactical rather than final.
“What we are seeing is a cooling-off period. The core issues between the political actors have not been fundamentally addressed. The coming weeks will be critical,” he said.
The Rivers political crisis has drawn national attention, with several prominent figures and groups previously calling for restraint and respect for democratic institutions.
Governor Fubara has repeatedly appealed for calm, insisting that his administration remains focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
In a recent address, the governor said, “My priority remains the peace, progress and development of Rivers State. We are committed to working with all stakeholders within the bounds of the law.”
