By Deborah Nnamdi
The impeachment move against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, has suffered another setback following the withdrawal of support by two more members of the State House of Assembly, deepening internal divisions and strengthening calls for dialogue to resolve the political crisis in the state.
The latest development comes barely 24 hours after two other lawmakers publicly distanced themselves from the impeachment proceedings, signalling growing resistance within the Assembly to the move against the governor and his deputy.
The lawmakers, Hon. Barile Nwakoh, representing Khana Constituency I, and Hon. Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II, urged their colleagues to suspend the impeachment process and embrace an amicable political solution to the ongoing crisis.
Their appeal followed an earlier intervention by two ranking legislators—Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly and member representing Omuma State Constituency, and Hon. Peter Abbey, representing Degema State Constituency, who also withdrew their support for the impeachment.
Speaking during a joint press briefing in Port Harcourt, Nwankwo acknowledged that the Assembly had already issued a notice of impeachment against Governor Fubara and his deputy but appealed for restraint, reconciliation, and dialogue.
He said the decision to step back was influenced by sustained pressure and appeals from elders, leaders, and stakeholders within and outside Rivers State, all urging lawmakers to prioritise peace and stability over political confrontation.
“We are here to appeal to the conscience of our colleagues,” Nwankwo said, noting that while allegations of constitutional infractions may exist, the crisis could still be resolved without resorting to impeachment.
He stressed that dialogue remained a viable option, urging lawmakers to temper justice with mercy in the overall interest of Rivers State.
Echoing similar sentiments, Abbey said his withdrawal from the impeachment process was also driven by appeals from prominent national figures and concerned citizens worried that the political crisis could spiral out of control.
While conceding that Governor Fubara may have breached certain constitutional provisions, Abbey said leadership requires wisdom and compassion, especially during periods of heightened political tension.
He called on both the legislature and the executive to exercise restraint, adding that the governor also has a responsibility to avoid actions capable of further escalating the situation.
The lawmakers expressed confidence that renewed engagement, dialogue, and mutual understanding among key stakeholders could lead to a peaceful resolution, urging all parties to place the collective interest of Rivers State above partisan or personal considerations.
With more lawmakers withdrawing their backing, the impeachment drive against Governor Fubara appears increasingly uncertain, raising fresh questions about its viability amid mounting internal opposition and growing public calls for reconciliation.
