Port Harcourt, Rivers – In a significant development amid the escalating political turmoil in Rivers State, two additional members of the state House of Assembly have publicly distanced themselves from the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The lawmakers, Barile Nwakoh (representing Khana Constituency I) and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor Constituency II), made their appeal during a press conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, calling for dialogue and reconciliation to resolve the crisis.

This move comes just 24 hours after two other lawmakers, Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma State Constituency) and Peter Abbey (Degema State Constituency), issued a similar plea on Monday.

With these latest withdrawals, four out of the 26 assembly members who initially signed the impeachment notice on January 8, 2026, have now advocated for halting the process.

The notice accused Governor Fubara of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, unauthorized extra-budgetary spending, and non-compliance with a Supreme Court ruling on legislative autonomy.

In their statements, Nwakoh and Amadi acknowledged the alleged constitutional breaches but emphasized that interventions from state elders and leaders had influenced their decision.

"We have called this press conference to appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to see how we can resolve this matter apart from impeachment proceedings," Nwankwo had stated earlier in the week, highlighting pleas from stakeholders both within and outside Rivers State.

The lawmakers urged their colleagues to prioritize peace, warning that prolonged tension could further destabilize the state.

The Rivers State House of Assembly is set to resume plenary sessions on January 15, 2026, where the fate of the impeachment could be decided. However, the growing internal dissent suggests cracks in the pro-impeachment faction, potentially signaling a shift toward negotiation.

The impeachment push is rooted in the long-standing rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The feud, which has simmered since Fubara's inauguration in 2023, intensified recently over issues like budget control and political appointments.

Wike's allies in the assembly, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), have been accused of orchestrating the proceedings, while Fubara has garnered support from some APC governors and federal figures.

The crisis escalated after a state of emergency was lifted, leading to fresh hostilities. Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule has vowed to see the process through, labeling Fubara a "threat to democracy" and insisting that no political solution would halt the impeachment.

In response, Fubara has restructured his cabinet, sacking Wike loyalists and reappointing some as advisers, while assuring Rivers residents of his commitment to peace and development.

Traditional rulers in the state have also intervened, forming a nine-member mediation committee chaired by His Majesty Dr. Suanu T.Y. Baridam to engage stakeholders and prevent further escalation.

Analysts suggest Fubara's prospects for a second term remain uncertain, hinging on party support and federal backing, but the defections indicate weakening opposition.

As the assembly reconvenes tomorrow, all eyes are on Rivers State, where the outcome could reshape the political landscape and influence national alliances ahead of future elections.

Stakeholders continue to call for restraint to avoid a breach of peace in the oil-rich region.