Political tension deepens in Rivers as 4 lawmakers rejoin impeachment move against Fubara

By Johnson Arua

The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a fresh turn as the four members of the State House of Assembly who earlier withdrew from the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Ordu, have rescinded their decision and returned to back the move.

The lawmakers’ reversal has effectively strengthened the impeachment drive, signaling renewed momentum for legislators seeking to remove the governor and his deputy from office amid the protracted power struggle in the state.

Their earlier withdrawal had raised hopes of a possible de-escalation of tensions within the Assembly and across the state, as it temporarily stalled the impeachment process and suggested room for dialogue among the feuding political blocs.

However, their decision to rejoin the process indicates that reconciliation efforts may have collapsed, further entrenching divisions within the legislature and the wider political landscape of Rivers State.

Political observers infer that the renewed support for impeachment may be linked to behind-the-scenes negotiations, pressure from party interests, or shifting alliances among key political actors within and outside the state.

The development also suggests that the impeachment process could now proceed with greater certainty, as the numerical strength of lawmakers backing the move appears to have increased, reducing procedural obstacles.

Governor Fubara and his deputy have consistently maintained that the impeachment efforts are politically motivated, describing them as part of a broader struggle for control of the state’s political machinery.

Meanwhile, the renewed push has heightened anxiety among residents, civil society groups, and the business community, who fear that prolonged political instability could disrupt governance, public services, and economic activities in the oil-rich state.

Analysts warn that if not carefully managed, the crisis could escalate into a full-blown constitutional and security challenge, especially given Rivers State’s strategic importance to the national economy.

As events continue to unfold, attention is now focused on the next steps of the Assembly leadership and whether last-minute political interventions can halt the impeachment process or usher in a negotiated settlement.