Impeachment Crisis: Rivers Lawmakers Divided Over Move to Remove Fubara

Impeachment Crisis: Rivers Lawmakers Divided Over Move to Remove Fubara

A sharp division has emerged in the Rivers State House of Assembly as two lawmakers publicly appealed for restraint in the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu.

At a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Minority Leader of the House, Hon Sylvanus Nwankwo, representing Omuma State Constituency, urged his colleagues to “temper justice with mercy” and explore alternative ways of resolving the political crisis without resorting to impeachment.

“We have called this press conference to appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to see how we can resolve this matter apart from impeachment proceedings,” Nwankwo said.

He disclosed that appeals for leniency had been coming from elders and political leaders both within and outside Rivers State, urging lawmakers to reconsider their stance despite alleged constitutional infractions by the governor and his deputy.

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“We are begging our colleagues to reconsider our step and see how this matter can be resolved amicably, even though the governor and deputy governor have infringed on the constitution,” he added.

Backing the appeal, Hon Peter Abbey, who represents Degema State Constituency, described the situation as one that requires a humane approach, stressing that lawmakers should consider reconciliation rather than escalation.

“He has infringed on parts of the constitution, but we are human beings, and we, as members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, want to plead with our colleagues to reconsider,” Abbey said.

Abbey further urged Governor Fubara to take steps to de-escalate the crisis by avoiding further constitutional breaches, noting that such actions could create room for a peaceful resolution.

However, the intervention by the two lawmakers contrasts sharply with the stance of the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon Alabo Enemi George, who insisted that the impeachment proceedings remain firmly on course.

In an interview, George said the House would not back down, confirming that Governor Fubara and his deputy have already been served, adding that nothing would halt the ongoing process.

Impeachment Crisis: Rivers Lawmakers Divided Over Move to Remove Fubara