Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have withdrawn their support for the ongoing impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, urging their colleagues to pursue dialogue and an amicable resolution of the political crisis in the state.
The lawmakers, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly and representative of Omuma State Constituency, and Hon. Peter Abbey, who represents Degema State Constituency, announced their decision during a joint press briefing in Port Harcourt.
Addressing journalists, Nwankwo acknowledged that the House had already issued a notice of impeachment against the governor and his deputy. However, he appealed to fellow lawmakers to temper justice with mercy and explore alternative means of resolving the dispute outside the impeachment process.
According to him, the decision to step back followed sustained interventions from elders, leaders, and stakeholders within and outside Rivers State, who have appealed for restraint and reconciliation in the interest of peace and stability.
“We are here to appeal to the conscience of our colleagues,” Nwankwo said, noting that despite alleged constitutional infractions by the governor and his deputy, the crisis could still be resolved through dialogue without resorting to impeachment.
Echoing the same position, Abbey said their withdrawal from the impeachment push was influenced by appeals from prominent leaders and concerned citizens across the country. While he admitted that the governor may have breached certain constitutional provisions, he stressed that leadership requires compassion and wisdom, particularly at critical moments.
Abbey urged both the legislative and executive arms of government to exercise restraint, adding that Governor Fubara also bears responsibility to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.
The two lawmakers expressed confidence that renewed dialogue and mutual understanding could lead to a peaceful settlement of the dispute, calling on all parties to place the overall interest of Rivers State above political considerations.
Their intervention marks a significant development in the unfolding impeachment process and raises fresh questions about the unity and direction of the Assembly’s stance against the governor.
