Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have publicly reversed their earlier stance on the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, urging colleagues to seek a peaceful and amicable resolution to the political standoff.
The lawmakers, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, representing Omuma State Constituency and Minority Leader of the Assembly, and Hon. Peter Abbey of Degema State Constituency, made the appeal at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Addressing journalists, Nwankwo acknowledged that the House had formally issued notices of impeachment but argued that the situation required reflection, dialogue, and broad consultation.
“We have called this press conference to appeal to our fellow colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to see how this matter can be resolved outside the impeachment proceedings,” he said.
The Minority Leader explained that their decision to speak publicly was influenced by interventions from respected elders and political leaders, both within and outside Rivers State, who have urged restraint and reconciliation.
“We are appealing to the conscience of our colleagues. Having listened to so many pleas and calls from our elders and leaders, we too are calling on our colleagues to reconsider their steps and see how this matter can be resolved amicably,” Nwankwo added.
While acknowledging that the governor and his deputy may have acted in ways that infringe on constitutional provisions, Nwankwo emphasised that political wisdom and dialogue should take precedence over confrontation.
Abbey echoed the Minority Leader’s sentiments, stressing that the appeal was aimed at preventing further political tension in the state.
“Yes, the governor has infringed on parts of the Constitution, but we are human beings.
”As members of the 10th Assembly, we want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider,” Abbey said.
He also revealed that the lawmakers had received calls from political leaders and stakeholders nationwide, urging the Assembly to exercise caution in handling the matter.
“We have received calls from leaders and people in and out of the state, and we believe that once you raise the axe, you should not swing it immediately,” Abbey noted.
The lawmaker added that any amicable settlement would require cooperation from the executive arm, insisting that the governor must ensure he does not further violate constitutional provisions.
“We plead with our colleagues to reconsider, provided the governor too has a role to play.
”He must ensure that he does not further infringe on the Constitution so that there can be an amicable settlement,” Abbey said.
The appeal marks a potential softening of tensions within the Rivers Assembly amid ongoing political turbulence, signaling that mediation and dialogue may yet avert a full-scale confrontation between the legislature and the executive.
