Tinubu Halts Rivers Assembly Impeachment Moves, Order Lawmakers to Stand Down

By Robo Bare
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Rivers State House of Assembly to immediately suspend all impeachment proceedings, amid escalating political tension threatening governance and stability in the state.

According to sources familiar with the development, the President further instructed all members of the Rivers Assembly to consult the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for further directives on the way forward.

The presidential intervention, issued on Friday, is aimed at dousing rising political hostilities and preventing actions that could deepen divisions within Rivers State. Tinubu reportedly warned lawmakers to desist from any move capable of further polarising the state’s political environment, stressing the need for restraint, dialogue and strict adherence to constitutional order.

Fate of the Rivers State House of Assembly
With the President’s directive, the Rivers State House of Assembly is effectively placed under political restraint, limiting its ability to pursue impeachment or other drastic legislative actions. Sources within the party say lawmakers risk disciplinary measures from the APC leadership should they defy the order.

The Assembly is now expected to shift focus to legislative stability, reconciliation, and normal governance, at least in the short term, pending further instructions from the party’s national leadership.

What It Means for Governor Siminalayi Fubara
For Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the directive offers temporary political relief. The impeachment threat hanging over his administration has been halted, preserving his mandate and buying him time to consolidate power, rebuild alliances, and stabilise governance. However, insiders stressed that the pause does not amount to a full resolution, as underlying political tensions remain unresolved. Fubara’s political survival may now depend on his willingness to engage in dialogue, manage party relations, and avoid actions perceived as confrontational.

Implications for Nyesom Wike
The development also places the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, under renewed national scrutiny. While Wike remains a powerful political force in Rivers State, the President’s intervention is widely interpreted as a signal that unchecked political dominance and prolonged internal conflict will no longer be tolerated. Analysts say Wike may be compelled to recalibrate his strategy, prioritise party unity, and align more closely with the APC’s broader national interests rather than sustained local power struggles.

A Temporary Truce, Not a Final Settlement
Political observers describe the President’s move as a temporary truce rather than a permanent settlement. While it prevents an immediate constitutional crisis, the long-term stability of Rivers State will depend on sustained mediation, power realignment, and genuine reconciliation among key actors.

As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State House of Assembly has yet to issue an official statement confirming compliance with the presidential order, while political stakeholders across the state await further guidance from the APC national leadership.