…Apologise to Tinubu
Lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly have withdrawn the impeachment proceedings initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and formally apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing respect for his intervention and commitment to peace in the state.
The legislators, who are reportedly loyal to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said their decision followed President Tinubu’s mediation efforts aimed at resolving the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.
As part of the reconciliation move, the lawmakers appealed for renewed dialogue and also requested the restoration of their return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Recall that President Tinubu had earlier stepped-in to broker a peace agreement between Governor Fubara and Wike, a development widely seen as a turning point in efforts to stabilise governance in the oil-rich state.
Before the withdrawal, the Assembly had accused Governor Fubara of gross misconduct. The allegations included the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending and award of contracts without legislative approval, withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to present the 2026 budget in alleged violation of Rivers State laws and the 1999 Constitution.
Other accusations bordered on what the lawmakers described as reckless management of public funds, allowing unapproved individuals to occupy government offices without legislative screening, and the seizure of salaries and allowances of Assembly members and the Assembly Service Commission.
The impeachment notice also targeted the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu, and was anchored on Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. The Assembly had argued that the governor’s actions undermined democratic governance and development in the state.
However, a member of the Assembly, Martins Amaehule, had publicly urged lawmakers aligned with Wike to withdraw the impeachment notice in deference to President Tinubu’s peace efforts and in the interest of stability.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that some of the lawmakers involved are not registered members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and reportedly do not possess party ward membership cards.
The Rivers State chapter of the APC had earlier rejected the impeachment move, describing it as untenable and warning that it could deepen political instability. The party also recalled that it had previously facilitated a peace agreement between Governor Fubara and Wike, which it said should be respected by all parties.
