Impeachment Tension: Two Rivers Lawmakers call for restraint, dialogue

A sharp division has emerged within the Rivers State House of Assembly following moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, as two lawmakers publicly appealed for restraint and dialogue.

The lawmakers—Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, the House Minority Leader and member representing Omuma State Constituency, and Hon. Peter Abbey of Degema State Constituency—on Monday urged their colleagues to suspend impeachment proceedings and seek alternative means of resolving the political crisis.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, Nwankwo made an emotional plea, asking fellow legislators to “temper justice with mercy” in handling the matter.

“We have called this press conference to appeal to the conscience of our colleagues,” he said. “There have been numerous appeals from elders and leaders within and outside the state, urging leniency. We believe this issue can be resolved amicably without resorting to impeachment.”

While acknowledging alleged constitutional breaches by the governor and his deputy, Nwankwo maintained that impeachment should not be the first option.

“Even though the governor and deputy governor may have infringed on certain constitutional provisions, we are appealing to our colleagues to reconsider their position and explore peaceful alternatives,” he added.

Supporting the call, Abbey described the situation as one requiring a humane and cautious approach.

“Yes, there may have been constitutional infractions, but we are human beings,” Abbey said. “As members of the 10th Assembly, we are pleading with our colleagues to reconsider this step.”

He further urged Governor Fubara to play his part by ensuring that no further constitutional breaches occur, noting that such restraint could help de-escalate tensions and open the door for reconciliation.

However, the appeals by the two lawmakers contrast sharply with the stance of the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Alabo Enemi George, who insisted that the impeachment process remains firmly on course.

Speaking in an interview, George dismissed suggestions of a possible retreat, stating that the House would not back down from its decision.

“Nothing will stop the impeachment process,” he said, adding that both the governor and his deputy had already been formally served.

The conflicting positions have underscored growing internal disagreements within the Rivers State House of Assembly, as the political crisis continues to heighten tensions across the state.