The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The decision followed the intervention of President Bola Tinubu amid heightened political tensions in the state.
The motion to halt the impeachment process was moved during the Assembly’s resumed sitting in Port Harcourt. Lawmakers agreed to put the process on hold, effectively pausing a crisis that had escalated in recent weeks.
The impeachment move had deepened political divisions within the state’s political structure. It also raised concerns about stability in Rivers State, a key oil-producing region in the country.
President Tinubu’s intervention came after days of consultations with major political actors involved in the dispute. His involvement is believed to have played a decisive role in calming tensions and encouraging dialogue among the parties.
Details of the agreement reached following the President’s intervention were not immediately disclosed. However, the suspension of the impeachment proceedings signals a temporary resolution to the standoff between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.
Governor Fubara had been facing mounting pressure from a faction of the Assembly. The lawmakers had initiated steps that could have led to his removal from office alongside his deputy.
The political crisis had earlier resulted in sharp disagreements between supporters of the governor and members of the Assembly. The situation had also drawn national attention, with stakeholders calling for restraint and adherence to constitutional processes.
At the resumed plenary session in Port Harcourt, the Assembly formally moved the motion to suspend further action on the impeachment. The decision was adopted by the lawmakers present, effectively halting the process for now.
Observers say the development could open the door for reconciliation and renewed cooperation between the governor and the Assembly. It remains unclear whether the impeachment notice will be permanently withdrawn or revisited at a later stage.
The intervention by President Tinubu underscores the Federal Government’s interest in maintaining political stability in Rivers State. As one of Nigeria’s major economic hubs, prolonged instability in the state could have wider implications.
Political analysts have described the suspension as a strategic pause rather than a complete resolution of the underlying issues. They note that sustained dialogue will be required to address grievances that led to the impeachment threat.
Supporters of Governor Fubara have welcomed the Assembly’s decision, describing it as a step toward peace and unity. They have urged all parties to prioritize governance and the welfare of residents over political disputes.
There has been no official statement indicating any conditions attached to the suspension. However, sources within the political circle suggest that discussions are ongoing to ensure a more lasting settlement.
The Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu, who was also affected by the impeachment move, remains in office following the Assembly’s decision. Her inclusion in the suspended proceedings had further intensified the political tension before the intervention.
For now, the suspension provides temporary relief from a crisis that threatened to destabilize the state’s political landscape. Attention will likely shift to how both arms of government manage their relationship in the coming weeks to prevent a recurrence of the conflict.
