Tension has escalated in Rivers State following a fresh impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, prompting top leaders and governors of the All Progressives Congress to intervene in a bid to prevent the crisis from spiralling out of control.

Late Thursday, it was learnt that influential APC figures had begun behind-the-scenes efforts to broker a political settlement and calm rising tensions in the oil-rich state. Sources close to the party leadership disclosed that quiet engagements were already ongoing with key actors involved in the crisis.

“There are underground moves already aimed at dousing the tension and resolving the matter. A political solution is being sought. Both the governor and the FCT minister are already being reached out to,” a senior APC source revealed.

Further findings indicated that the intervention was driven by fears of renewed violence in Rivers State, given its history of political unrest. Senior government officials and political heavyweights at the federal level were said to be closely monitoring developments and making discreet efforts to reconcile the warring sides.

“The Presidency is being briefed about the developments. The President will intervene. However, key members of the government, as well as some top politicians, are already reaching out to both men,” another source familiar with the situation said.

The latest political storm broke on Thursday when the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, issuing a seven-day notice for them to respond to allegations of gross misconduct. The move followed a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.

According to the lawmakers, the impeachment notice was triggered by the governor’s alleged refusal to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly for consideration. The 27 lawmakers, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accused the governor and his deputy of deliberately undermining the constitutional duties of the legislature, actions they described as impeachable offences.

The process was formally set in motion through a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, and seconded by Silvernus Nwankwo.

During the session, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read out a notice detailing seven allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara, citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. 

The allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, alleged extra-budgetary spending, withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with Supreme Court rulings on the financial autonomy of the legislature. Other accusations include the seizure of salaries and allowances of lawmakers and the Assembly Service Commission.

Shortly after the notice against the governor was presented, the Deputy Leader, Linda Stewart, submitted a separate notice of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. The allegations against her include reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstructing the Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties, and allegedly allowing unauthorised individuals to occupy government offices without legislative screening.

She was also accused of seeking budgetary approval from an unauthorised group rather than the recognised House of Assembly, as well as seizing salaries and allowances meant for lawmakers and the Assembly Service Commission.

As the impeachment clock ticks, political observers say the coming days will be critical for Rivers State. With high-level interventions now underway, attention is focused on whether a political compromise can be reached to avert another deepening crisis in the state.