Rivers House of Assembly Stops Impeachment Move on Governor Sim Fubara & Prof. Ngozi Odu

Rivers House of Assembly Stops Impeachment Move on Governor Sim Fubara & Prof. Ngozi Odu

In a significant development that appears to de-escalate the long-running political crisis in Rivers State, the Rivers State House of Assembly has reportedly halted impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu.

The decision comes amid ongoing legal interventions, political negotiations, and recent reconciliation efforts involving key stakeholders. Sources close to the assembly indicate that the move follows interventions, including presidential mediation earlier in the year, which urged parties to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.

The impeachment process was first initiated in early January 2026, when a faction of the assembly accused the governor and his deputy of gross misconduct, including allegations related to budgetary impropriety, unauthorized expenditures, failure to present the 2026 appropriation bill on time, and withholding statutory allocations to the legislature.

However, the process faced immediate roadblocks. On January 16, 2026, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo issued an interim injunction restraining the assembly, its speaker (Martins Amaewhule), the clerk, and the Chief Judge from proceeding with or acting on the impeachment notice. This court order effectively paused key steps, such as the constitution of a seven-member investigative panel.

Subsequent court developments included indefinite adjournments of related suits filed by Governor Fubara and Deputy Odu challenging the impeachment, as well as further legal filings by groups like the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) seeking to permanently restrain further action.

While the assembly had repeatedly insisted it would push ahead despite court orders, the latest halt suggests a shift toward political resolution. Recent reports point to reconciliation talks, including directives from influential figures to loyal lawmakers to drop impeachment pursuits and work collaboratively with the executive branch.

Governor Fubara’s administration has also taken steps seen as confidence-building, including the recent dissolution of the State Executive Council on February 12, 2026, with indications that some dismissed officials may be considered for reappointment as part of broader realignment efforts.

Political analysts view the assembly’s decision to halt proceedings as a pragmatic step to avoid prolonged litigation and instability in Africa’s oil-rich state. The move is expected to allow focus on governance, infrastructure projects, and economic recovery amid lingering tensions between the executive and legislature.

Stakeholders have welcomed the development, with calls for all parties to sustain dialogue and uphold constitutional processes. As Rivers State navigates this fragile peace, attention now turns to whether formal withdrawal of the impeachment notice will follow and how quickly normal legislative-executive relations can be restored.

Inside Port Harcourt will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this unfolding story.