Rivers Crisis: Fubara Denies Receiving Impeachment Letter as Legislative Unity Crumbles

Three days after 27 lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike initiated a high-stakes move to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office, the executive branch claims it is still waiting for the formal paperwork. The delay comes as the legislative coalition shows its first signs of visible cracks, with two prominent members publicly pleading for a peaceful resolution.

Despite Speaker Martin Amaewhule’s public vow to ensure the delivery of the impeachment letter, sources within the Rivers State Government House insist that no such document has arrived.

A high-ranking official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, suggested the Governor’s schedule has remained focused on governance rather than the political firestorm.

“I can tell you for free that the governor and his deputy have not reviewed any notice from the Assembly,” the source revealed on Monday evening. “Don’t forget that the governor returned from his trip overseas on Sunday and managed to attend the church service for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.”

The official emphasized that Fubara has not let the proceedings interrupt his administrative duties: “He has not rested and he needs to inspect several ongoing projects scattered all over. So for now, I know he hasn’t received any letter. I have not seen the governor myself. The man is busy working for the good of the state as a practical man he is.”

While the majority bloc previously appeared resolute, Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency) and Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency) held a press conference in Port Harcourt to urge their colleagues to stand down.

Nwankwo revealed that a groundswell of pressure from regional power brokers influenced their decision to seek a retreat. “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,” he stated.

“That is why we are here this morning to appeal to the conscience of our fellow colleagues. Having listened to so many pleas, calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, begging for leniency,” Nwankwo added.

While the lawmakers admitted to legal grievances against the administration, they favored reconciliation over removal: “We are begging, calling on our colleagues to reconsider our step and see how this matter can be resolved amicably, even though the governor and deputy governor have infringed on the constitution, but we are appealing to them to reconsider our stand.”

Peter Abbey reinforced this sentiment, characterizing the conflict as a human issue rather than a purely legal one.

“Fubara has infringed on parts of the constitution, but we are human beings, and we, as members of the 10th assembly, want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider,” Abbey said.

However, Abbey noted that the burden of peace also rests on the Governor’s shoulders, suggesting that the executive must curb any further controversial actions. “The governor, too, has a role to play; he must ensure he does not infringe further on the constitution. That will bring an amicable settlement to the whole thing,” he concluded.