Port Harcourt, Rivers – In a dramatic twist amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, four members of the state House of Assembly have rescinded their recent call to halt impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The lawmakers, who just days ago urged dialogue and withdrawal of the process, announced their renewed support for the impeachment during a press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday morning.

The group, led by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo (representing Omuma Constituency), includes Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency), Barile Nwakoh (Khana Constituency I), and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor Constituency II).

Ñwankwo stated that Governor Fubara "has shown no remorse over the allegations levelled against him by the assembly," accusing him of gross misconduct and attempting to intimidate lawmakers through agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This U-turn comes barely two days after the same lawmakers publicly withdrew their support for the impeachment, joining an initial pair who defected on January 13.

On January 14, Nwakoh and Amadi had appealed for the assembly to "sheathe their swords" and prioritize peace, citing the need to avoid further tension in the state.

Their reversal has reignited the impeachment push, with the assembly reiterating during a separate briefing that Fubara poses a "threat to democracy."

The impeachment saga is rooted in the deep-seated rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike, who backed Fubara's 2023 election, has seen many assembly members initially 27 loyalists align against the governor since October 2023, barely five months into his term.

The conflict escalated to factional sittings, court battles, and even arson at the assembly complex.

In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy, and the entire assembly.

They were recalled in September 2025, but stability remained elusive. The current impeachment notice, signed by 26 lawmakers, alleges gross misconduct, though specifics have not been publicly detailed beyond claims of intimidation and anti-democratic actions.

With the lawmakers' terms nearing an end in mid-2027, analysts note the irony as a lucrative position in one of Nigeria's wealthiest states has been marred by two years of instability, potentially jeopardizing re-election prospects for many involved.

The Rivers State House of Assembly, under Speaker Martins Amaewhule, is now poised to proceed with the impeachment, though legal hurdles remain.

Amaewhule himself faces internal pressure, with rumors of a plot to impeach him for not stepping down amid the crisis.

Governor Fubara's office has yet to respond officially, but sources close to him describe the move as a desperate bid by Wike's camp.

This development could deepen the state's political divide, potentially leading to more interventions from Abuja.

Stakeholders are calling for dialogue to prevent further escalation in this oil-rich state.