Major Shake-Up Rock Wike Camp As Some Rivers State Lawmakers Pull Out Of Governor Fubara’s Impeachment
Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have withdrawn their support for the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, calling on their colleagues to pursue a political and amicable resolution instead.
The lawmakers, Hon. Sylvanus Enyi Nwankwo, representing Omuma State Constituency and the Minority Leader of the House, and Hon. Peter Abi of Degema State Constituency, made their position known in a video released on Monday.
Speaking during a press briefing, Nwankwo said the decision to address the media was aimed at formally appealing to members of the Assembly to exercise restraint in handling the impeachment notice already issued against the governor and his deputy.
“You are all aware that the Rivers State House of Assembly issued a notice of impeachment on the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Deputy Governor,” the lawmakers said. “But we have called this press conference to appeal to our fellow colleagues to temper justice with mercy and see how this matter can be resolved outside impeachment proceedings.”
They disclosed that sustained appeals from elders and political leaders within and outside Rivers State influenced their decision to step back from the impeachment process.
“Having listened to so many pleas and calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, begging for leniency, we are calling on our colleagues to reconsider our steps and explore an amicable resolution, even though the Governor and the Deputy Governor have infringed on the Constitution,” they stated.
While acknowledging alleged constitutional violations by the governor, the lawmakers emphasized the need for restraint and dialogue.
“Yes, the Governor may have infringed on parts of the Constitution, but we are human beings. We want to plead with our colleagues to reconsider,” they said.
They further warned against taking actions that could deepen political divisions in the state, noting that impeachment is a drastic step with long-term consequences.
“We have received calls from leaders in Rivers State and beyond. You don’t raise the axe and sweep it the same way you raise it,” they added.
However, the lawmakers stressed that Governor Fubara must also play his part by ensuring strict compliance with constitutional provisions to enable a peaceful resolution.
“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 there can be an amicable settlement,” they said.
The development comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, as the impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his deputy continues to stir controversy and deepen divisions within the House of Assembly.
