By CHUKWUMA OFILLI
Rivers State’s prolonged political crisis took a dramatic turn as lawmakers in the State House of Assembly formally apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the impeachment proceedings initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The apology, widely seen as a political retreat, comes amid renewed calls for reconciliation, stability, and respect for the president’s peace efforts in the oil-rich state.
The lawmakers, largely believed to be loyal to former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also appealed for the restoration of their return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections. Their move signals a possible softening of hostilities following months of intense political tension that threatened governance and development in Rivers State.
Rivers Political Crisis and Tinubu’s Intervention
The Rivers State political crisis has revolved around a fierce power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. The rift deepened shortly after Fubara assumed office, spilling into the State House of Assembly and polarising lawmakers along loyalty lines.
Concerned about the potential fallout, President Tinubu stepped in as a mediator, initiating dialogue between the warring factions. His intervention eventually produced a peace agreement aimed at restoring calm, preserving democratic institutions, and ensuring uninterrupted governance in Rivers State.
However, despite the agreement, impeachment moves against Governor Fubara resurfaced, raising questions about the lawmakers’ commitment to reconciliation. The latest apology to President Tinubu appears to acknowledge the weight of his intervention and the need to realign with the broader goal of political stability.
Allegations Behind the Fubara Impeachment Move
Before the apology, the lawmakers had accused Governor Fubara of multiple acts of alleged misconduct, forming the basis of the impeachment notice.
These allegations included:
The demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex.
Extra-budgetary spending and awarding contracts without legislative approval.
Withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission.
Refusal to present the 2026 budget, allegedly in violation of Rivers State laws and the 1999 Constitution.
Reckless spending of public funds.
Allowing unauthorized individuals to occupy government offices without legislative screening.
Seizure of salaries and allowances of Assembly members and the Assembly Service Commission.
The impeachment notice also targeted Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for the proceedings. Supporters of the impeachment argued that these actions undermined democratic governance and fiscal accountability. On the other hand, critics described the move as politically motivated and capable of plunging Rivers State into deeper instability.
Lawmakers Urged to Respect Peace Process
Martins Amaehule, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, publicly urged lawmakers aligned with Wike to withdraw the impeachment notice. He stressed that President Tinubu’s peace efforts must be respected, warning that continued political confrontation could damage the state’s image and economy.
Amaehule’s intervention added momentum to calls for dialogue, particularly as reports emerged that some of the lawmakers driving the impeachment were not registered members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and allegedly lacked party ward membership cards. This revelation further complicated the political narrative and raised questions about party discipline and legitimacy.
APC Rejects Fubara Impeachment
The Rivers State chapter of the APC also weighed in, firmly rejecting the impeachment move. The party described the action as “untenable” and cautioned that it could trigger serious political and security instability in the state.
Notably, the APC had previously played a role in brokering a peace deal between Governor Fubara and Wike. Party leaders expressed concern that the renewed impeachment push amounted to a breach of that agreement, undermining collective efforts to stabilize Rivers State.
According to APC officials, political disputes should be resolved through dialogue and internal mechanisms rather than actions that could paralyze governance and disrupt public service delivery.
What the Apology Means for Rivers Politics
The lawmakers’ apology to President Tinubu marks a critical moment in the evolving Rivers political crisis. By acknowledging the president’s role and appealing for reconciliation, the legislators appear to be recalibrating their strategy amid mounting pressure from political stakeholders.
Their request for the restoration of return tickets ahead of the 2027 elections also highlights the political stakes involved. As electoral calculations intensify, loyalty, reconciliation, and alignment with federal leadership may prove decisive.
For Governor Fubara, the development offers a window to consolidate authority and refocus on governance, provided the peace agreement holds. For Rivers State residents, many of whom have expressed frustration with prolonged political infighting, the hope is that leaders will prioritise development over rivalry.
Looking Ahead
While the apology is a positive signal, observers caution that lasting peace in Rivers State will depend on sustained dialogue, mutual concessions, and respect for democratic institutions. President Tinubu’s continued involvement may remain crucial in ensuring that agreements are implemented in good faith.
As Rivers State navigates this delicate phase, the unfolding events will not only shape local governance but also influence broader political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
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