Rivers: Wike’s Grip Weakens

Signs that the political grip of former governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over Governor Siminalayi Fubara weakened on Monday as cracks widened within the Rivers State House of Assembly, with some lawmakers openly backing away from the impeachment threat against the governor and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

In a development that shocked political observers in the state, two lawmakers broke ranks with the dominant hardline camp and publicly appealed for the impeachment process to be suspended, calling instead for dialogue and political reconciliation.

Leading the appeal, the Minority Leader of the House and member representing Omuma State Constituency, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, told a press conference in Port Harcourt that the Assembly should “temper justice with mercy” and urgently explore alternatives to removing the governor from office.

“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 said.

He disclosed that appeals from elders and political leaders within and outside Rivers State had influenced their decision to intervene, stressing that while there may have been constitutional issues, impeachment would only deepen the crisis.

“That is why we are here this morning to appeal to the conscience of our colleagues. Having listened to so many pleas from our elders and leaders, we are begging them to reconsider our step and see how this matter can be resolved amicably,” he added.

Hon. Peter Abbey, who represents Degema State Constituency, aligned himself with the call, urging lawmakers to adopt what he described as a “human approach” to the unfolding crisis.

“Yes, there may have been constitutional breaches, but we are human beings. We are pleading with our colleagues to please reconsider,” Abbey said, adding that Governor Fubara also has a responsibility to de-escalate tensions by avoiding actions that could further inflame the situation.

The open dissent by the two lawmakers is being widely interpreted in political circles as evidence that the once solid impeachment front against Fubara—widely believed to be aligned with Wike’s political structure—is beginning to fracture, potentially weakening the former governor’s hold on events at the Assembly.

However, not all lawmakers appear ready to retreat. The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Alabo Enemi George, maintained that the impeachment process remained on course.

Asked whether the House might back down, George insisted that nothing would stop the process, adding that Governor Fubara and his deputy had already been served.

Still, Monday’s intervention has injected a new dynamic into the crisis, raising fresh questions about whether the impeachment plot can survive growing internal resistance and shifting political calculations within the Rivers Assembly.