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 cracks within the legislature and strengthening calls for dialogue
The latest development comes barely 24 hours after two other lawmakers publicly distanced themselves from the impeachment proceedings, signalling growing resistance to the move within the Assembly.
The lawmakers, Barile Nwakoh, who represents Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II, urged their colleagues to halt the impeachment process and seek an amicable resolution to the political crisis engulfing the state.
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 and reconciliation.
According to him, the decision to step back was influenced by intense pressure and appeals from elders, leaders, and stakeholders within and outside Rivers State, all urging lawmakers to prioritise peace and stability.
“We are here to appeal to the conscience of our colleagues,” Nwankwo said, adding that while there may be allegations of constitutional infractions, 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 the state.
Echoing similar views, Abbey said his withdrawal from the impeachment process was also driven by appeals from prominent national figures and concerned citizens who fear that the political crisis could spiral out of control.
While conceding that Governor Fubara may have breached certain constitutional provisions, Abbey insisted that leadership requires wisdom and compassion, especially during moments of heightened political tension.
He called on both the legislature and the executive to exercise restraint, noting that the governor also bears responsibility to avoid actions capable of further escalating the crisis.
The lawmakers expressed confidence that renewed engagement, dialogue, and mutual understanding among key actors 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 public calls for reconciliation.
