The Rivers State House of Assembly has refused to meet with the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) peace and reconciliation committee, signaling continued tension over the proposed impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over allegations of “gross misconduct.”
The seven-member PANDEF panel, led by former Attorney General of the Federation Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), arrived in Port Harcourt last Saturday to mediate the political crisis. The committee held meetings with state leaders and elders, including former governor Chief Rufus Ada George, former deputy governor Sir Gabriel Toby, and the Rivers State Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, a close ally of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike.
Despite repeated attempts, the panel was unable to secure a meeting with the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, or other key lawmakers. A source familiar with the discussions said, “The committee made several efforts to reach the Speaker and Chief Anabraba, but neither responded. These are busy and eminent individuals who eventually had to leave, promising to try again later.”
The development indicates that lawmakers remain committed to pursuing impeachment rather than reconciliation. PANDEF had been given two weeks to mediate and submit a report on the crisis, but the Assembly appears determined to proceed with the process.
The House had earlier requested the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, to set up a seven-member panel to investigate the allegations against the governor. Observers note that the Chief Judge may be constrained by existing court orders, which could affect the formation of the investigative panel.
The Assembly is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, amid speculation that lawmakers may move forward with impeachment despite ongoing mediation efforts.
VANGUARD