Rivers State is currently embroiled in a significant political crisis, marked by ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. This situation has led several lawmakers to appeal for the suspension of these actions, aiming to de-escalate tensions within the state's political landscape.

During a press conference held in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers, two lawmakers, Barile Nwakoh, the deputy minority leader representing Khana constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor constituency II, made a direct appeal to their colleagues to halt the impeachment process. Their plea echoed an earlier one made by Sylvanus Nwankwo, the house minority leader for Omuma state constituency, and Peter Abbey of Degema state constituency, who on Monday urged the parliament to “temper justice with mercy” and seek alternative resolutions to Fubara’s removal. Nwankwo specifically stated, “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.”

The impeachment proceedings commenced last Thursday after Major Jack, the assembly leader, presented charges of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara. These charges were reportedly signed by 26 members of the house. The ongoing rifts between the executive and legislative arms of the state government have significantly exacerbated political tensions.

A major underlying factor in this crisis is the protracted feud between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The majority of Rivers lawmakers are reportedly loyal to Wike, who has been actively campaigning against Fubara’s re-election. Wike has accused the governor of breaching a peace agreement that both parties signed before President Bola Tinubu intervened to lift the emergency rule in Rivers State. Additionally, Wike-aligned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have accused Governor Fubara of spending state funds without the necessary legislative approval.

In an effort to mediate and restore peace, the Rivers state council of traditional rulers has constituted a nine-member peace committee. This committee, announced in a press release on Wednesday, is tasked with engaging relevant stakeholders to propose lasting solutions to the crisis. Suanu T. Y. Baridam chairs the committee, with Eze Nwachukwu Nnam Obi serving as co-chairman. The statement detailing the committee's formation was signed by Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, the Eze Oha Apara IV of Apara Kingdom and chairman of the Rivers state council of traditional rulers. Other members include Uchechukwu Isaiah-Elikwu, Leslie Eke, Samuel Amaechi, Felix Otuwarikpo, Onyekachi Amaonwu, Agolia Aboko, and Eze Nwankwo Nwankwo, with Darlington Owiriwa designated as secretary.

The traditional rulers' council has also appealed to supporters of all political factions, social media users, and the general public to exercise restraint in their comments and actions. They emphasized the importance of avoiding any behavior that could further inflame tensions or lead to a breach of peace in the state.