Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have withdrawn their support for the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, calling instead for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in the state.
The lawmakers, Hon. Sylvanus Enyi Nwankwo, who represents Omuma State Constituency and serves as the Minority Leader of the Assembly, and Hon. Peter Abi, representing Degema State Constituency, made their decision public in a video obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday.
In the video, the legislators appealed to their colleagues to exercise restraint and seek an amicable solution rather than proceed with the impeachment process.
Addressing journalists, Nwankwo introduced himself as the Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly, while Abi also identified himself and his constituency. They confirmed that the House had already issued a notice of impeachment against Governor Fubara and his deputy but said they were stepping back from the process.
According to the lawmakers, their decision followed sustained appeals from elders and leaders within Rivers State and beyond, urging them to show leniency and avoid actions that could further destabilise the state.
They acknowledged allegations that the governor and his deputy had infringed on certain constitutional provisions but stressed that impeachment should not be the only option.
While appealing for mercy, the lawmakers maintained that Governor Fubara must also take responsibility by ensuring strict compliance with the Constitution going forward to enable an amicable settlement of the crisis.
They warned against taking irreversible political actions, noting that widespread calls from influential figures had highlighted the need for caution and dialogue.
The withdrawal of support by the two legislators comes amid escalating political tension in Rivers State, as the impeachment process against the governor and his deputy continues to spark controversy and deepen divisions within the State House of Assembly.
