The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other key stakeholders have intervened in the political deadlock between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, following the commencement of fresh impeachment proceedings against the governor.
Gatekeepers News reports that findings by The Guardian indicate that intensified efforts are underway to break the stalemate, with all parties involved—including members of the Rivers State House of Assembly—expected to work towards a lasting political solution. Contrary to earlier reports, credible sources disclosed that none of the principal actors has met President Bola Tinubu over the crisis.
According to the source, the President is expected to intervene only as a last resort, stressing that the Rivers impasse remains a political issue that should be resolved through political means.
Meanwhile, two members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to exercise restraint and seek an amicable resolution to the impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers—Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma State Constituency) and Minority Leader Peter Abbey (Degema State Constituency)—made the appeal during a press conference in Port Harcourt.
Addressing journalists, Nwankwo acknowledged that the House had already issued a notice of impeachment but said the development called for sober reflection and wider consultations.
“Gentlemen, you are all aware that the Rivers State House of Assembly issued a notice of impeachment on the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu,” he said.
“However, we have called this press conference to appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to see how this matter can be resolved outside the impeachment proceedings.”
Nwankwo said the appeal was influenced by interventions from respected elders and leaders within and outside the state, who had urged reconciliation and peace.
“We are appealing to the conscience of our colleagues. Having listened to so many pleas and calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, begging for leniency, we too are calling on our colleagues to reconsider their steps and see how this matter can be resolved amicably,” he added.
While conceding that the governor and his deputy may have infringed on constitutional provisions, he stressed that dialogue and political wisdom should prevail.
“Even though the governor and the deputy governor may have infringed on the Constitution, we are appealing to our colleagues to reconsider our stand,” Nwankwo said.
Corroborating his position, Abbey said the appeal was driven by the need to prevent further political tension and instability in the state.
“The Minority Leader has said it all. Yes, the governor has infringed on parts of the Constitution, but we are human beings,” Abbey said.
“As members of the 10th Assembly, we want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider.”
He revealed that the lawmakers had received calls from political leaders and stakeholders across the country urging caution.
“We have received calls from leaders and people in and out of the state, and we believe that once you raise the axe, you should not swing it immediately,” he said.
Abbey, however, noted that any peaceful settlement would require cooperation from the executive.
“We plead with our colleagues to reconsider, provided the governor too has a role to play. He must ensure that he does not further infringe on the Constitution so that there can be an amicable settlement,” he added.
The appeal comes amid rising political tension in Rivers State, with growing calls for dialogue and de-escalation to safeguard peace and governance in the oil-rich state.
In another development, Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Reconciliation Committee, Kanu Godwin Agabi (SAN), urged Wike, Fubara and other stakeholders to make sacrifices and embrace forgiveness to resolve the protracted crisis.
Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, warned that prolonged conflict would cast doubt on the commitment of political actors to the welfare of Rivers people and national stability.
“Rivers State is too important to Nigeria for anyone to stand by and do nothing,” he said.
Using the parable of the clam and the oyster, Agabi cautioned against allowing the dispute to escalate.
“Let Rivers State not be like the clam and the oyster that fought on the seashore until they were picked up by a fisherman and made into a meal,” he warned.
He expressed confidence that the crisis could be resolved amicably, urging humility, apology and forgiveness.
“If they have offended one another, they must be humble enough to apologise and generous enough to forgive. True greatness lies in forgiveness,” he said.
Agabi also paid tribute to former Rivers State governor and Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Papapraye Diete-Spiff, describing his intervention as deserving of utmost respect. He praised Wike’s political legacy, noting that the “hand of God” upon him placed a responsibility to lead reconciliation efforts, while also expressing personal confidence in Governor Fubara.
Addressing the House of Assembly, Agabi said PANDEF believed the lawmakers were acting out of patriotism but urged restraint and political maturity.
“Our duty is to appeal, to urge and to beg for reconciliation,” he said. “Sacrifices are called for. Let them be made, and let there be peace in Rivers State.”
Meanwhile, former presidential aide Laolu Akande said Wike deserved sympathy, noting that the former governor had become enmeshed in multiple political battles.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akande warned that if Wike were removed as a minister, his political career could enter a declining phase. He described Wike’s choice of successor as “the fight of his political life” and urged politicians to learn from the Rivers crisis, stressing that democracy thrives on inclusion, not domination.
In a separate intervention, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) warned that the impeachment process could threaten the peaceful resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni, potentially costing Nigeria over $30 million daily from an estimated 500,000 barrels of oil production.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, said it was unfortunate that just as the Federal Government appeared close to a breakthrough on Ogoni oil production, the House of Assembly had embarked on actions capable of inflaming tensions.
“No investor will operate in a crisis-prone environment,” Nsuke warned, describing the impeachment move as an affront to President Tinubu’s mediation efforts and a development capable of embarrassing Nigeria internationally.
He urged the lawmakers to discontinue the impeachment proceedings in the interest of national stability, investor confidence and the image of the country.
