Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria – The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended impeachment proceedings against the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following an intervention by Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu.
The decision was announced on Thursday, February 19, 2026, during the Assembly’s resumed plenary session in Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State in southern Nigeria. Lawmakers moved a motion to halt the impeachment process, effectively pausing what had become one of the most closely watched political developments in the oil rich state.
Rivers State is a major crude oil producing region in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria and plays a significant role in the country’s economy. Political tensions in the state have drawn national attention in recent months, particularly over disagreements between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The impeachment proceedings had targeted Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu, raising concerns about political stability in the state. Impeachment is a constitutional process in Nigeria that allows a state legislature to remove a governor or deputy governor from office over allegations of misconduct, subject to strict legal procedures.
President Bola Tinubu, who leads the federal government of Nigeria, stepped into the situation in what observers describe as a move aimed at preventing further escalation. Although full details of the President’s intervention were not immediately made public, the Assembly’s decision to suspend the process followed shortly after his involvement.
Okay News reports that the suspension signals a temporary easing of political tensions in Rivers State, though it remains unclear whether the impeachment proceedings will be permanently withdrawn or revisited at a later date.
The development matters not only for Rivers State but also for Nigeria’s broader political climate, as prolonged disputes between elected officials can affect governance, public services, and investor confidence in a region that is central to the country’s oil production.
Residents of Rivers State, political stakeholders, and national observers are now watching closely to see whether dialogue between the parties will lead to a lasting resolution. Further details are expected as the Assembly continues its legislative activities and as officials provide more clarity on the next steps.
