Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have made U turn on the commencement of proceedings to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, representing Omuma State Constituency and Minority Leader of the House, and Hon. Peter Abbey of Degema State Constituency, appealed to their colleagues to exercise restraint and seek an amicable resolution.
They made the appeal during a press conference in Port Harcourt.
Nwankwo acknowledged that the House had issued impeachment notices but said the situation required reflection and dialogue. “You are all aware that the Rivers State House of Assembly issued a notice of impeachment on the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu,” he said.
“However, we have called this press conference to appeal to our fellow colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to see how this matter can be resolved outside the impeachment proceedings,” Nwankwo added.
He said the appeal followed interventions from elders and leaders within and outside the state, urging restraint and reconciliation. “We are appealing to the conscience of our colleagues… begging for leniency, we too are calling on our colleagues to reconsider their steps and see how this matter can be resolved amicably,” he said.
While admitting that the governor and his deputy may have infringed on constitutional provisions, Nwankwo stressed that dialogue should prevail. “Even though the governor and the deputy governor may have infringed on the Constitution, we are appealing to our colleagues to reconsider our stand,” he said.
Supporting the call, Abbey said the appeal was aimed at preventing further political tension in the state. “Yes, the governor has infringed on parts of the Constitution, but we are human beings,” he said.
Abbey disclosed that the lawmakers had received appeals from political leaders and stakeholders across the country. “Once you raise the axe, you should not swing it immediately,” he said.
He added that any settlement would require cooperation from the executive. “He must ensure that he does not further infringe on the Constitution so that there can be an amicable settlement,” Abbey said.
The appeal comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, as stakeholders continue to call for dialogue and de-escalation to ensure stability and effective governance.
