Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo and Hon. Peter Abbey, have appealed to their colleagues to suspend the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Nwankwo, who represents Omuma State Constituency and serves as the minority leader of the House, alongside Abbey, who represents Degema Constituency, made the appeal during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
Addressing journalists, Nwankwo said the lawmakers convened the briefing to urge restraint and explore alternative ways of resolving the crisis.
“Gentlemen, 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,” he said. “But we have called this press conference to appeal to our fellow colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to see how we can resolve this matter outside the impeachment proceedings.”
He explained that the appeal was informed by interventions from elders and leaders within and outside the state, who have called on the lawmakers to reconsider their actions in the interest of peace.
“Having listened to so many pleas and calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, we are appealing to the conscience of our colleagues to reconsider their stand and see how this matter can be resolved amicably,” Nwankwo added.
He acknowledged concerns about alleged constitutional infractions but stressed the need for dialogue. “Even though the governor and the deputy governor may have infringed on the constitution, we are appealing to our colleagues to reconsider,” he said.
Speaking on his behalf, Hon. Peter Abbey echoed the call for restraint, noting that impeachment should be a last resort.
“As the minority leader has said, yes, the governor may have infringed on parts of the constitution, but we are human beings,” Abbey said. “As members of the 10th Assembly, we want to plead with our colleagues to reconsider.”
He said lawmakers had received appeals from leaders and residents within and outside Rivers State, urging a more measured approach.
“You don’t raise the axe and swing it immediately,” Abbey said. “We plead with our colleagues to reconsider, provided the governor also plays his role by ensuring that he does not further infringe on the constitution. That way, we can achieve an amicable settlement.”
Both lawmakers expressed optimism that dialogue and mutual understanding could help de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the state’s political landscape.
