Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have urged their colleagues to halt the impeachment process initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, calling for dialogue and restraint.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, the House Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, alongside the lawmaker representing Degema Constituency, Peter Abbey, said the appeal followed widespread interventions from elders, political leaders, residents, and their constituents.
Nwankwo acknowledged that an impeachment notice had been issued but appealed for a reconsideration of the move.
“Rivers State has issued a notice of impeachment on Governor Fubara and his deputy. We appeal to our fellow colleagues to temper justice with mercy and see how we can resolve this matter without resorting to impeachment proceedings,” he said.
He added that sustained pressure from respected figures within and outside the state informed their decision to speak out.
“Having listened to so many calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside Rivers State, we are begging our colleagues to reconsider our steps and see how this matter can be resolved amicably, even though the governor and his deputy have infringed on the Constitution,” Nwankwo stated.
The appeal follows last Thursday’s announcement that Governor Fubara and his deputy were served with impeachment notices over allegations of gross misconduct. The Majority Leader of the Assembly, Major Jack, had presented the notice, which was reportedly signed by 26 lawmakers.
According to the notice, the allegations against the governor include extra budgetary expenditure exceeding N800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, the demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged disregard for Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor, accusing her of collaborating in what lawmakers described as unconstitutional spending.
The Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, had earlier announced that the impeachment notices would be formally served on the governor and his deputy within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.
However, Governor Fubara has since denied receiving any impeachment notice from the Assembly.
The move marks a fresh escalation of the long running political crisis in Rivers State, triggered by the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now FCT minister, after earlier impeachment attempts were stalled by presidential intervention.
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