ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Barely one week after 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly endorsed an impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, two additional lawmakers have withdrawn their support, urging a political settlement of the crisis rocking the state.
The lawmakers, Hon. Barile Nwakoh, representing Khana Constituency I, and Hon. Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II, called on their colleagues to suspend impeachment proceedings and embrace dialogue as a more constructive path to resolving the standoff between the executive and the legislature.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Nwakoh said the decision to step back from the impeachment process followed appeals from respected leaders and stakeholders across the state.
“We speak strictly for ourselves and not on behalf of the House.
“Although we were initially part of the notice alleging gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy, we have been encouraged by Rivers leaders and the general public to pursue a political solution instead of impeachment. This decision reflects strength, forgiveness and our commitment to responsible governance”, Nwakoh said.
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Also speaking, Amadi said renewed assurances from Governor Fubara and his deputy to uphold constitutional provisions and respect previous agreements reached under presidential mediation had created room for reconciliation.
She noted that dialogue remained the most viable option for restoring stability in the state, stressing that impeachment should be a last resort rather than the first response to political disagreements.
With the latest development, the number of lawmakers who have withdrawn support for the impeachment notice has risen to four, following earlier withdrawals by Sylvanus Nwankwo, the Minority Leader representing Omuma Constituency, and Peter Abbey of Degema Constituency.
Political observers say the growing number of defections from the impeachment camp has further weakened the process and increased speculation that it may not succeed.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by **Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule**, is expected to reconvene on **Wednesday, January 15, 2026**, to deliberate on the impeachment allegations, which border on claims of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy.
As the crisis unfolds, former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, has publicly reaffirmed his support for governor Fubara, urging him to remain steadfast.
“Your people are with you. They asked me to tell you that you are the political leader of Rivers State.
“Wherever you go, we will go with you. Wherever you stand, we will stand with you. You are standing on firm ground hold on to God”, Odili said.