The impeachment push against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara showed signs of weakening on Monday after two lawmakers previously associated with the move publicly withdrew their support and appealed for dialogue.
Minority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency), and Hon. Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency) urged their colleagues to suspend impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and explore alternative means of resolving the political crisis.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Nwankwo said the appeal followed sustained pressure from elders and leaders within and outside the state.
“We are calling on our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and see how this matter can be resolved outside impeachment,” he said, adding that the move risked deepening political tension in the state.
Although he acknowledged alleged constitutional breaches by the governor and his deputy, Nwankwo insisted that impeachment was not the only option.
Abbey echoed the call, stressing that lawmakers must act with caution and humanity.
“We are human beings. We plead with our colleagues to reconsider,” he said, adding that the governor also has a responsibility to avoid further constitutional violations to de-escalate the crisis.
The development came as it emerged that Governor Fubara has yet to receive any formal impeachment notice from the Assembly, three days after 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced the commencement of impeachment proceedings.
A source at Government House said neither the governor nor his deputy had been officially served any letter.
The political tension followed the conclusion of Wike’s ‘thank you tour’ of the state, during which he reportedly skipped Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Fubara’s home LGA, before returning to Abuja.
Amid the growing crisis, the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) has constituted a seven-man reconciliation committee chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), to mediate between the parties.
PANDEF urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and restraint, warning that continued confrontation could threaten peace and stability in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta.
Leave a Reply