In a significant turn of events, the 27 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), have retracted the impeachment notice issued against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The withdrawal was formally announced during the Assembly’s resumed sitting, with factional Speaker Martin Amaewhule leading the proceedings.
The lawmakers justified their decision by referring to the resolutions achieved during a truce meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu on December 18, 2023. In a letter signed by 24 members of the Assembly, they highlighted their respect for President Tinubu and pledged to adhere to the terms of the agreement.
This development follows the ongoing efforts to find a resolution to the political crisis that has gripped Rivers State, with the defection of lawmakers and the subsequent impeachment notice against Governor Fubara being central to the turmoil.
The withdrawal of the impeachment notice signifies a potential easing of tensions within the state’s political landscape. The Assembly members emphasized their commitment to fulfilling their constitutional duties of lawmaking and oversight for the betterment of the state.
The role of President Tinubu in facilitating the truce was acknowledged, with the lawmakers expressing gratitude for his fatherly role in the resolution process. However, the state government, through Commissioner for Information and Communications Joseph Johnson, has stated that it is not aware of the lawmakers’ withdrawal of the impeachment notice. The situation is expected to evolve as stakeholders respond to this latest development.
