Fresh uncertainty as Rivers Lawmakers skip plenary after impeachment notice

The political tension in Rivers State took a fresh twist on Thursday as the State House of Assembly failed to reconvene following the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The development has deepened uncertainty surrounding the next step in the ongoing confrontation between the legislature, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and the executive arm of government.

The Assembly had, during its plenary session on January 8, 2026, formally accused the governor and his deputy of gross misconduct, including allegations bordering on the demolition of the Assembly complex and expenditure without legislative approval.

At that sitting, lawmakers invoked Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and adjourned proceedings to January 15, 2026, setting the stage for what many expected to be the next phase of impeachment proceedings.

However, observations at the Assembly’s regular sitting venue on Thursday revealed no legislative activity, with the complex shut and security operatives stationed at the entrance.

Sources within the Assembly confirmed that the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, had earlier notified journalists covering legislative activities that the House would not sit as scheduled, though no official reason was given.

The unexpected development came amid growing public anticipation, as residents of the state awaited clarity on the impeachment process following the lapse of the ultimatum period.

Earlier in the week, four lawmakers had publicly appealed for calm, urging their colleagues to suspend impeachment proceedings and explore political dialogue.

The legislators — Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma), Peter Abbey (Degema), Barile Nwakoh (Khana I), and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor II) — argued that the impeachment move demanded careful consideration, wide consultation and restraint.

They disclosed that their intervention followed appeals from influential elders and political leaders within and outside Rivers State, who cautioned against actions capable of deepening political instability.

Meanwhile, credible sources disclosed that President Bola Tinubu and other Abuja-based political heavyweights were reportedly unhappy with the impeachment attempt, a factor believed to have influenced the Assembly’s latest posture.

Despite the political uncertainty, Governor Fubara has continued with official engagements, maintaining a deliberate silence on the crisis and avoiding any public reference to the standoff during both public and private functions.