Two Rivers Lawmakers Withdraw Support For Fubara’s Impeachment, Call For Peace

Two Rivers lawmakers have withdrawn support for impeachment moves against Governor Fubara and appealed for dialogue to resolve the political crisis.

Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have rescinded their earlier position on the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, urging their colleagues to pursue a peaceful and amicable resolution.

The lawmakers—Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, representing Omuma State Constituency and Minority Leader of the Assembly, and Hon. Peter Abbey of Degema State Constituency—made the appeal during a press conference in Port Harcourt.

Addressing journalists, Nwankwo acknowledged that the House had issued a notice of impeachment against the governor and his deputy but said the development called for deep reflection and extensive consultations.

“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,” he said.
Nwankwo explained that their decision to make a public appeal was influenced by interventions from respected elders and leaders within and outside Rivers State, who have urged restraint and reconciliation.

“We are appealing to the conscience of our colleagues. Having listened to so many pleas and calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, begging for leniency, we too are calling on our colleagues to reconsider their steps and see how this matter can be resolved amicably,” he added.

While admitting that the governor and his deputy may have acted in ways that infringed on constitutional provisions, Nwankwo stressed that dialogue and political wisdom should prevail over confrontation.

On his part, Abbey said the appeal was motivated by a desire to prevent further political tension in the state.

“The Minority Leader has said it all. Yes, the governor has infringed on parts of the Constitution, but we are human beings. As members of the 10th Assembly, we want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider,” he said.

Abbey also disclosed that the lawmakers had received calls from political leaders and stakeholders across the country, urging the Assembly to exercise caution.

“We have received calls from leaders and people in and out of the state, and we believe that once you raise the axe, you should not swing it immediately,” he noted.

He, however, added that any amicable settlement would require cooperation from the executive arm of government.

“We plead with our colleagues to reconsider, provided the governor too has a role to play. He must ensure that he does not further infringe on the Constitution so that there can be an amicable settlement,” Abbey said.