Rivers Lawmakers Beg Colleagues To Stop Fubara’s Impeachment

Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have urged their colleagues to pause the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

KanyiDaily recalls that Rivers Assembly began impeachment proceedings last Thursday, citing allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Sylvanus Nwankwo, the minority leader representing Omuma constituency, called on lawmakers to “temper justice with mercy” and explore alternatives to Fubara’s removal from office.

He said the appeal was based on calls from community elders and leaders asking for leniency.

“We have called this press conference to appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to see how we can resolve this matter apart from impeachment proceedings,” he said.

“That is why we are here this morning to appeal to the conscience of our fellow colleagues. Having listened to so many pleas, calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, begging for leniency

“We are begging, calling on our colleagues to reconsider our step and see how this matter can be resolved amicably, even though the governor and deputy governor have infringed on the constitution, but we are appealing to them to reconsider our stand.”

Peter Abbey, representing Degema constituency, supported the call for restraint, describing the situation as one that needs a humane approach.

“He [Fubara] has infringed on parts of the constitution, but we are human beings, and we, as members of the 10th assembly, want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider,” he said.

He said the governor must also act responsibly by avoiding further constitutional breaches, which could help resolve the conflict peacefully.

“The governor, too, has a role to play; he must ensure he does not infringe further on the constitution. That will bring an amicable settlement to the whole thing,” he said.

KanyiDaily recalls that Governor, Siminalayi Fubara recently appealed to residents to remain calm as yhe Rivers Assembly moves forward with impeachment proceedings against him.