In a dramatic twist to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, four members of the House of Assembly who recently withdrew from the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara have reversed their decision, re-aligning with the push to remove the Governor.
The lawmakers include Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo, Peter Abbey (Degema), Barile Nwakoh (Khana I), and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor II).
The group announced their U-turn on Friday during a live broadcast in front of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. This reversal comes just days after the quartet had publicly called for a “political solution” to the impasse.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Nwankwo explained that their change of heart was prompted by the Governor’s alleged refusal to seek peace.
“On January 12, 2026, my colleague, Hon. Peter Abbey, and I addressed the press and pleaded for a political solution to the impasse between the Assembly and the Governor,” Nwankwo said. “However, during that window, we found that the Governor and Deputy Governor employed media aides to continuously attack the House rather than seeking the reconciliation we offered. On this basis, we now insist the impeachment proceedings must continue.”
Lawmakers Barile Nwakoh and Emilia Amadi echoed this sentiment, stating that the executive arm showed no genuine willingness for dialogue.
The House, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, initiated the impeachment process last week, citing “gross misconduct.” Key allegations include the unauthorized demolition of the Assembly complex and the expenditure of public funds without legislative approval.
The momentum for impeachment had briefly stalled earlier this week when these four lawmakers announced their withdrawal. However, following Friday’s declaration, the process appears to have regained its full footing.
Despite failing to hold a plenary session on Thursday amid rumors of internal division, House members insisted on Friday that impeachment remains the only constitutional solution to the state’s political deadlock.
