Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to halt the planned impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, urging lawmakers to seek a political resolution rather than pursue removal proceedings.
The House Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, alongside Peter Abbey, who represents Degema constituency, made the appeal on Monday during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, citing mounting interventions from elders, political leaders and constituents within and outside the state.
Nwankwo confirmed that impeachment notices had been issued against the governor and his deputy but said the process should be reconsidered in the interest of peace and stability. He called on lawmakers to “temper justice with mercy” and explore alternative ways of resolving the dispute without plunging the state deeper into crisis.
According to him, appeals from respected figures across Rivers State had prompted the lawmakers’ intervention, even as he acknowledged that the governor and his deputy had been accused of constitutional breaches. Abbey echoed the sentiment, stressing that dialogue remained the best option to prevent further political tension.
The appeal follows the presentation of an impeachment notice last Thursday by the House Majority Leader, Major Jack, reportedly signed by 26 lawmakers. The notice accuses Governor Fubara of gross misconduct, including alleged extra-budgetary expenditure of more than ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolishing the House of Assembly complex, and defying Supreme Court rulings affirming legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also read against Deputy Governor Odu, accusing her of complicity in unconstitutional spending.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule had announced that the impeachment notices would be formally served on the governor and his deputy within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions. However, Governor Fubara has since said he is yet to receive any such notice from the Assembly.
