The Rivers State House of Assembly did not reconvene for plenary as scheduled, one week after adjourning its last sitting, fuelling speculation of internal tension and an alleged plot to remove the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule.
The Assembly had earlier commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, citing allegations including the demolition of the Assembly complex and expenditures made without legislative approval. Following the move, the Clerk of the House was directed to issue an impeachment notice to the governor, allowing a response period before the House adjourned.
However, political pressure appears to have mounted in the days that followed. Four lawmakers publicly withdrew from the impeachment process, urging dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the crisis. Their withdrawal raised questions about the cohesion of the Assembly and the sustainability of the impeachment move.
Despite expectations that lawmakers would resume sitting, the Assembly complex remained inactive, with no official explanation on why plenary did not hold or when it would reconvene. Attempts to obtain clarification from the House leadership were unsuccessful.
A senior government source described the lawmakers’ actions as theatrical and suggested that the Speaker may have deliberately avoided reconvening the House after allegedly becoming aware of a move against him. The source hinted that the internal struggle within the Assembly could further complicate the already tense political situation in the state.
Adding to the reactions, a former federal lawmaker and ex-state commissioner called for restraint and reconciliation, noting that recent developments indicated growing resistance within the Assembly itself against the impeachment process. He stressed that peace and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms were essential for stability and development in Rivers State.
According to him, many stakeholders now expect a shift away from impeachment towards dialogue, especially as several lawmakers have openly appealed for a political solution. He expressed hope that when the Assembly eventually reconvenes, its actions would reflect the prevailing public mood for reconciliation rather than escalation.
Earlier, minority lawmakers and two female legislators had also appealed to their colleagues to abandon impeachment plans, praising mediation efforts by national leaders while urging adherence to constitutional governance and existing agreements.
Several elder statesmen groups and regional bodies have since stepped in, setting up mediation efforts aimed at resolving the rift between key political actors in the state and restoring calm to the Rivers political landscape.
