The political guillotine hanging over Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been dismantled. In a dramatic de-escalation of hostilities, the Rivers State House of Assembly has abruptly halted all impeachment proceedings against the Governor and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, signalling a fragile ceasefire in the oil-rich state’s protracted power struggle.

This cessation of hostilities is not a product of legislative epiphany but of high-stakes executive diplomacy. The retreat by the pro-Wike lawmakers comes directly on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s fourth and most decisive intervention. By forcing the Assembly to sheath their swords, the President has seemingly pulled Rivers State back from the brink of anarchy, though the underlying fissures between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, remain dangerously active.

A Calculated Retreat

The motion to withdraw the impeachment notice was moved during a tense resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The proceedings, which had initially charged Fubara with gross misconduct—including the controversial demolition of the Assembly complex and extra-budgetary spending—evaporated in minutes. "We are deferring to the President's wisdom," a ranking lawmaker admitted privately, hinting that the withdrawal was an instruction, not a choice.

The sudden U-turn underscores the immense influence of Abuja on local political mechanics. Just months ago, the Assembly seemed intent on removing Fubara at any cost, a move that sparked violent clashes and deepened the polarization in the state. Today's decision effectively resets the chessboard, buying Fubara breathing room to consolidate his grip on the state machinery without the immediate threat of legislative removal.

• The Wike Factor: While the impeachment is off the table, the loyalty of the Assembly members remains with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. This "ceasefire" preserves their positions while allowing Wike to maintain a stranglehold on the legislative arm.
• Presidential Authority: Tinubu’s repeated interventions signal his refusal to let Rivers State—a critical economic hub—descend into chaos, even if it means overruling his key ally, Wike.

The Uneasy Peace

For the citizens of Rivers State, this development brings a sigh of relief but not a sense of finality. The governance of the state has been paralyzed by this infighting for over a year. With the impeachment threat neutralized, the focus now shifts to whether Governor Fubara can finally implement his own agenda or if he will remain a hostage to the delicate peace deal brokered in Aso Rock.

As the lawmakers exited the chamber, the mood was less of reconciliation and more of a tactical pause. The guns are silent, but the war for the soul of Rivers politics is far from over.