The political crisis in Rivers State took another dramatic turn on Friday as four members of the State House of Assembly who had recently distanced themselves from the impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara made a surprising U‑turn. The lawmakers, who only days earlier called for dialogue and reconciliation, have now declared full support for the impeachment process.
The lawmakers — Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo, Peter Abbey of Degema Constituency, Barile Nwakoh representing Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II — made their renewed position public during a live broadcast held at the entrance of the Assembly complex. Their announcement drew immediate attention, given the sensitive timing and the ongoing political standoff in the state.
Nwankwo, speaking on behalf of the group, recalled that on January 12, 2026, he and Abbey had appealed for a political solution to the escalating conflict between the Assembly and the governor. At the time, their call was seen as a potential turning point that could ease tensions and open the door for negotiations. However, he said the governor’s response — or lack of it — forced them to reconsider their stance.
According to Nwankwo, the lawmakers expected Governor Fubara to demonstrate willingness to address the concerns raised by the Assembly, including allegations of constitutional violations and disregard for legislative authority. Instead, he claimed, the governor failed to show remorse or take steps toward reconciliation, leaving them with no choice but to return to the impeachment process.
The lawmakers insisted that their renewed support for impeachment was driven by a commitment to uphold the rule of law. They argued that the issues at stake were too serious to be resolved through informal dialogue alone, stressing that the Assembly must defend its constitutional mandate and protect the integrity of the state’s democratic institutions.
Their reversal has intensified the already volatile political atmosphere in Rivers State. The Assembly has been deeply divided since the crisis began, with factions emerging around competing political interests and interpretations of the governor’s actions. The return of these four lawmakers to the pro‑impeachment camp could significantly shift the balance of power within the House.
Political analysts suggest that the lawmakers’ U‑turn may reflect deeper undercurrents within the state’s political landscape. Some believe the move signals renewed pressure from influential political actors, while others argue that the lawmakers may have lost confidence in the governor’s ability to manage the crisis. Whatever the motivation, the shift has added fresh momentum to the impeachment effort.
Supporters of Governor Fubara have dismissed the lawmakers’ announcement as a politically orchestrated maneuver aimed at destabilizing the administration. They argue that the impeachment process is being weaponized to undermine the governor’s mandate and create unnecessary tension in the state. The governor has yet to issue a formal response, but sources close to the administration say he remains focused on governance despite the mounting pressure.
Residents of Rivers State are watching the unfolding events with growing concern. Many fear that the prolonged political conflict could disrupt governance, delay key development projects, and deepen divisions within the state. Civil society groups have also begun calling for restraint, urging both sides to prioritize the interests of the people over political rivalry.
As the crisis continues to evolve, the future of the impeachment process remains uncertain. Whether the renewed push will lead to the governor’s removal or trigger fresh negotiations is unclear. What is certain, however, is that the lawmakers’ sudden reversal has reshaped the political landscape and set the stage for a new phase in Rivers State’s unfolding political drama.
