Impeachment: Rivers Lawmakers Direct Chief Judge To Constitute Probe Panel Against Fubara, Deputy

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday January 16, 2026, proved that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu are on track.

At Plenary on Friday, January 16, 2025, the Lawmakers voted to direct the Rivers State Chief Judge to immediately set up a Panel to commence the investigation of the allegations leveled against the Governor and his Deputy.

The Lawmakers latest position is coming against the backdrop of growing uncertainty over the impeachment moves, occasioned by the failure of the House to resume plenary on Thursday January 15, as earlier scheduled.

Four Legislators out of the initial 26 members that signed the impeachment notice had on Monday and Wednesday backtracked , and appealed to their colleagues to reconsider the impeachment option.

The Lawmakers, including the Minority Leader, Hon Sylvanus Nwankwo, while admitting that the Governor and his Deputy may have committed some constitutional infractions, nevertheless urged their colleagues to explore other veritable options other than impeachment.

“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 without resorting to impeachment option.

“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 , pleading for leniency”, Hon Nwankwo and co stated.

But at its plenary on Friday presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewfule,the law makers expressed their resolve to continue with the impeachment proceedings, insisting that it is the only way to settle the festering squabble between the Executive and Legislative arms of Government in the State.

Curiously too, the four members who had earlier recanted made a U-turn, renewing their commitment to the impeachment project.

The legislators maintained that they were acting within the purview of all extant laws in addressing the seemingly intractable impasse in the state .

Addressing the media, the Lawmakers informed that they have mandated the State’s Chief Judge to set machineries in motion to investigate the allegations against the Governor and his Deputy.