Residents of Port Harcourt have expressed mixed reactions to the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to suspend its fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
While some citizens described the move as a welcome step toward peace and political stability, others argued that the impeachment attempt was unnecessary from the outset and should never have been initiated.
The political tension that preceded the suspension had generated anxiety across the state, with many observers warning that a prolonged standoff between the executive and legislative arms of government could disrupt governance and stall development efforts.
Reacting to the development, a human rights activist, Mr. Samuel Njoku, said there was little cause for celebration.
“From the beginning, the impeachment move was ill-motivated against the governor. There was no genuine justification for it. If they have decided to stop it now, that is what they should have done earlier. I just hope there are no hidden undertones that the people of Rivers State will pay for later,” he said.
In contrast, Blessing Iheayi, a resident of Port Harcourt, welcomed the decision, describing it as a positive sign for the state.
“It is a welcome development. We thank them for stopping the impeachment. It will bring peace and allow the state to move forward,” she said.
At Mile 3 Market, trader Mr. Kingsley Wobo expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership, insisting that the impeachment process was unwarranted.
“They were not supposed to impeach the governor because he has done nothing wrong. He is doing good work. Now that the process has been suspended, he can focus fully on his duties,” he stated.
Mrs. Rita Douglas, a civil servant, emphasised the need for political harmony to foster development.
“What people want is development, not political fights. If leaders can resolve their differences and work together, it will benefit ordinary citizens more than these confrontations,” she noted.
Offering a more cautious perspective, political analyst Mr. Emeka Ibe said the suspension should be seen as an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation.
“Political disagreements are part of democracy, but they must be managed within constitutional boundaries. What matters now is transparency and cooperation to restore public confidence,” he said.
The Assembly announced the suspension of the impeachment proceedings on Thursday, following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid the face-off between the governor and state lawmakers. The President’s involvement is believed to have helped ease tensions and encourage compromise among the parties.
As residents reflect on the development, many say they hope the suspension will usher in renewed collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, with a renewed focus on stability, economic growth and effective governance in Rivers State.
