Port Harcourt – Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to suspend the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Nma Odu, urging dialogue and reconciliation instead.
The appeal was made on Monday during a press briefing in Port Harcourt by the House Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, alongside the lawmaker representing Degema Constituency, Peter Abbey. They said their call was informed by appeals from elders, political leaders, and concerned residents within and outside the state.
Mr. Nwankwo acknowledged that impeachment notices had been issued against the governor and his deputy but urged lawmakers to exercise restraint.
“We appeal to our fellow colleagues to temper justice with mercy and see how this matter can be resolved without resorting to impeachment proceedings,” he said.
He added that while there were allegations of constitutional breaches, dialogue remained the best path forward.
“Having listened to numerous calls from our elders and leaders, we are begging our colleagues to reconsider and allow room for an amicable resolution, even though the governor and his deputy are alleged to have infringed on the Constitution,” Nwankwo stated.
Last Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly confirmed that impeachment notices had been served on Governor Fubara and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct. The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented the notice, which was reportedly signed by 26 lawmakers.
The allegations against Governor Fubara include extra-budgetary spending exceeding ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, the demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also issued against Deputy Governor Prof. Odu, accusing her of complicity in unconstitutional financial expenditures.
The Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, announced that the impeachment notices would be formally served on both officials within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions. However, Governor Fubara has maintained that he has not yet received any formal impeachment notice.
The latest development represents a renewed escalation of the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, which stems from the rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Previous impeachment attempts in 2023 and 2025 were halted following presidential interventions. The crisis later culminated in the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu in March last year.
