The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended its impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, bringing a temporary halt to a political crisis that has gripped the oil rich state for weeks.
The development followed a high level meeting convened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his official residence, where he met with Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The meeting was aimed at easing tensions between the two political heavyweights whose rivalry has deepened divisions within the state.
The impeachment process, which began in early January, stemmed from allegations of gross misconduct levelled against the governor by lawmakers loyal to the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule.
The Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, had during plenary presented a notice of allegations said to have been endorsed by 26 lawmakers.
Lawmakers accused the governor of violating provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 125, which mandates the Auditor General of the state to audit government accounts and submit reports to the House of Assembly.
The Assembly also alleged breaches relating to the nomination and screening of commissioners, as well as failure to comply with fiscal responsibility laws.
Speaking earlier on the matter, the House Spokesperson, Hon. Enemi George, questioned the administration’s budgetary process.
He stated that there had been no properly presented budget framework for successive fiscal years and raised concerns over public spending without legislative oversight.
The suspension of the impeachment proceedings signals a cooling of political tempers, at least for now, though observers say underlying tensions remain.
This is the second time President Tinubu has stepped in to broker peace between Governor Fubara and Wike, a former governor of the state whose influence continues to shape the political landscape.
