Rivers impeachment: Lawmakers urge restraint, seek dialogue

 

Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to reconsider the impeachment process initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, calling for dialogue and reconciliation in the interest of peace.

The lawmakers — Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma), the Minority Leader, and Hon. Peter Abbey (Degema) — made the appeal on Monday at a press conference in Port Harcourt.

Nwankwo acknowledged that the Assembly had issued a notice of impeachment but urged members to exercise wisdom and restraint, noting that impeachment should not be the first resort.

“Our colleagues are aware that a notice of impeachment has been issued against the governor and his deputy. However, we are appealing that justice be tempered with mercy and that this matter be resolved outside impeachment proceedings,” he said.

He explained that the intervention followed appeals from elders, traditional rulers and political leaders within and outside the state, who fear that impeachment could deepen political divisions and threaten stability.

According to him, while there may have been constitutional infractions, the Assembly should consider alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms to prevent further polarisation.

Abbey, speaking in the same vein, said the lawmakers were motivated by the need to preserve peace and stability in the oil-rich state.

“Yes, there are issues of constitutional breaches, but we are human beings. We plead with our colleagues to reconsider and handle this matter with caution,” he said.

He disclosed that several influential leaders and stakeholders across the country had reached out to the Assembly, urging lawmakers to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

Abbey added that any move towards reconciliation would require commitment from the executive arm, stressing that the governor must ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions going forward.

The appeal comes amid rising political tension in Rivers State, with increasing calls from stakeholders for de-escalation and dialogue to safeguard governance and stability.