Rivers State remained unusually calm yesterday, but beneath the surface, tension was thick in the air following the House of Assembly’s move to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. While residents of Port Harcourt went about their daily routines, there was clear anxiety over where the unfolding political drama could lead.
The situation has been further complicated by the silence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose allies dominate the Assembly pushing the impeachment. Wike, known for his loud political presence, has so far refused to comment publicly, a move many see as deliberate. Sources say Governor Fubara, who is currently out of the country, has not even been formally served with the impeachment notice but is believed to have the backing of key power brokers and APC leaders determined to keep him in office.
Concerned by the growing tension, major stakeholders have stepped in. The Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) described the impeachment move as disturbing and called on all parties to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation. The group has set up a seven-member reconciliation committee led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), to help calm the situation and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Elder statesman Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that Rivers State does not need another round of political instability. According to him, the country is already grappling with serious security challenges, and Rivers should not be dragged into avoidable crisis driven by political power struggles.
Civil society groups have echoed similar concerns. The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) warned that impeachment must not be turned into a political weapon, stressing that any rushed or secretive process would lack legitimacy and deepen public distrust. The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) went further, cautioning lawmakers not to mistake the patience of Rivers people for weakness, insisting that constitutional procedures must be strictly followed.
Meanwhile, silence from the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fuelled speculation. While the Tony Okocha-led faction recognised by the party has remained quiet, the rival Emeka Beke group has called on the APC’s National Working Committee to urgently step in and broker peace, warning that the crisis could hurt the party’s chances ahead of 2027.
Even in Port Harcourt, residents are watching closely. Many openly blame Wike for the renewed crisis, pointing to his influence over the lawmakers. When he appeared briefly in Andoni during a thanksgiving visit, observers noted a rare change in his demeanor—no dancing, no fiery speeches, just a short address and quick exit.
As pressure mounts from elders, rights groups, and party stakeholders, the message is clear: Rivers State stands at a delicate crossroads. Whether dialogue will prevail over confrontation now depends on how quickly key political actors choose peace over power plays.
