A deepening division has emerged within the Rivers State House of Assembly as two lawmakers have publicly called for a halt to the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
In a surprising development on Monday in Port Harcourt, the House Minority Leader, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, appealed to his colleagues to reconsider the impeachment threat and explore alternative ways of resolving the political crisis.
Addressing journalists, Nwankwo, who represents Omuma State Constituency, urged lawmakers to “temper justice with mercy,” stressing the need for restraint in handling the matter.
“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,” he said.
According to him, appeals from elders and leaders within and outside Rivers State informed the decision to seek a softer approach, even while acknowledging alleged constitutional infractions by the governor and his deputy.
“We are begging our colleagues to reconsider our step and see how this matter can be resolved amicably,” Nwankwo added.
Hon. Peter Abbey, representing Degema State Constituency, echoed the call for restraint, describing the situation as one that demands a human and conciliatory approach.
“He has infringed on parts of the constitution, but we are human beings, and we want to plead with our colleagues to reconsider,” Abbey said.
Abbey also urged Governor Fubara to play his part by ensuring that no further constitutional breaches occur, noting that such actions could help de-escalate tensions and pave the way for a peaceful resolution.
However, the appeal by the two lawmakers contrasts sharply with the stance of the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Alabo Enemi George, who maintained that the impeachment process remains firmly on course.
Speaking in an interview, George insisted that nothing would stop the proceedings, adding that Governor Fubara and his deputy had already been served with impeachment notices.
The development highlights growing cracks within the Rivers State House of Assembly as the political crisis continues to unfold.
