Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to halt the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Gatekeepers News reports that the lawmakers made the appeal on Monday during a press conference in the state. Sylvanus Nwankwo, the minority leader of the House who represents Omuma State Constituency, urged the assembly to exercise restraint and explore alternatives 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 added that the appeal was informed by widespread calls for leniency from elders and leaders within and outside the state.
“That is why we are here this morning to appeal to the conscience of our fellow colleagues. Having listened to so many pleas, calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, begging for leniency, we are begging, calling on our colleagues to reconsider our step and see how this matter can be resolved amicably,” he said.
Nwankwo acknowledged that the governor and his deputy had allegedly breached parts of the constitution but maintained that impeachment should not be the only option.
“Even though the governor and deputy governor have infringed on the constitution, we are appealing to them to reconsider our stand,” he said.
Also speaking at the briefing, Peter Abbey, who represents Degema State Constituency, echoed the call for restraint, describing the situation as one that requires a humane approach.
“He has infringed on parts of the constitution, but we are human beings, and we, as members of the 10th Assembly, want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider,” Abbey said.
Abbey added that the governor also has a role to play in de-escalating the crisis by ensuring there are no further constitutional violations.
“The governor, too, has a role to play; he must ensure he does not infringe further on the constitution. That will bring an amicable settlement to the whole thing,” he said.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had on Thursday commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy. The process began after the leader of the House, Major Jack, read allegations of gross misconduct against the governor, contained in a notice reportedly signed by 26 lawmakers.
The ongoing rift between the executive and the legislature, alongside the impeachment move, has heightened political tensions in Rivers State.
