…urge colleagues to drop impeachment against Gov Fubara
Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma) and Hon. Peter Abbey (Degema), have broken ranks with their colleagues and appealed for the withdrawal of the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, the lawmakers said their decision to step back from the impeachment process followed sustained appeals by elders and leaders of the state, both within and outside Rivers State, urging restraint and reconciliation.
While acknowledging that the governor and his deputy had allegedly infringed on constitutional provisions, the legislators stressed that the current political climate called for compassion and dialogue rather than punitive measures.
Speaking first, Hon. Nwankwo said the House had indeed issued a notice of impeachment against Governor Fubara and his deputy, but noted that circumstances now demanded a reconsideration of that action.
“We have called this press conference to appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and explore ways of resolving this matter amicably,” he said.
“We have listened to numerous pleas and calls from our elders and leaders, who are passionately asking for leniency. In the interest of peace and stability in Rivers State, we are begging our colleagues to reconsider the steps already taken.”
He added that despite the alleged constitutional infractions, dialogue remained the better option for resolving the impasse.
On his part, Hon. Abbey said members of the 10th Assembly had been inundated with appeals from prominent leaders across the state and beyond, urging the lawmakers to halt the impeachment process.
“We want to appeal to our colleagues to reconsider this action,” Abbey said. “The Governor also has a role to play by ensuring that there are no further constitutional infractions, so that we can reach an amicable settlement in the overall interest of Rivers State.”
The appeal by the two lawmakers comes amid heightened political tension in the state following the commencement of impeachment proceedings by the House of Assembly.
