President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Rivers State House of Assembly to immediately suspend all ongoing impeachment proceedings, according to information circulating on Wednesday. The directive is said to be aimed at halting escalating political tensions within the state’s legislature.
The President reportedly instructed members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to stop any actions related to impeachment with immediate effect. The order, as reported, applies to all lawmakers involved in the process and is expected to take effect without delay.
In addition to suspending the impeachment moves, President Tinubu is said to have directed the lawmakers to consult with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for further guidance. The consultation is reportedly intended to align the actions of party members with the broader position of the party’s national leadership.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in Rivers State, where relations between key political actors have been strained in recent months. The state has witnessed intense legislative disagreements that have drawn national attention and raised concerns about governance stability.
Although details of the impeachment process were not officially outlined in the initial report, impeachment proceedings in Nigerian state assemblies typically involve allegations of misconduct or constitutional violations against an elected executive or legislative officer. Such processes often generate significant political tension and can disrupt normal government functions.
The reported intervention by the President underscores the influence of the federal executive in managing internal party disputes, particularly in states governed by the ruling party. As leader of the APC, President Tinubu is positioned to intervene when intra-party conflicts threaten political stability or public order.
Sources familiar with the situation say the instruction to consult the APC National Chairman is aimed at ensuring discipline within the party and preventing unilateral actions by state lawmakers. Party consultations are often used to de-escalate crises and reach consensus positions that reflect the party’s overall strategy.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the Presidency confirming the directive. Similarly, the Rivers State House of Assembly has not issued a formal response acknowledging or rejecting the reported order.
Political observers note that Rivers State has historically been a flashpoint for political rivalry, with disputes frequently spilling into the legislative arena. The current situation has renewed concerns among residents and stakeholders about the impact of prolonged political conflict on governance and development in the state.
Legal experts have also pointed out that impeachment proceedings are constitutionally assigned to state legislatures, though political realities often involve negotiations and interventions from party leaders at the national level. Such interventions, while informal, are common in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The instruction to halt impeachment proceedings, if confirmed, may provide temporary relief and create space for dialogue among the parties involved. It may also prevent further polarization within the Rivers State Assembly, which could otherwise deepen divisions and stall legislative business.
Residents of Rivers State and political stakeholders across the country are closely watching developments, as the outcome could shape the balance of power within the state government. The situation is also being monitored by party leaders who are keen to avoid a prolonged crisis in a strategically important state.
Further updates are expected as official statements emerge from the Presidency, the APC national leadership, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. Until then, the reported directive remains a significant development in the unfolding political situation in Rivers State.
