Lawmakers from Rivers State have appealed for restraint over the planned impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Nma Odu.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, the House Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, alongside the lawmaker representing Degema, Peter Abbey, said widespread interventions from elders, political leaders, residents, and constituents had prompted the appeal. They urged their colleagues to suspend the impeachment process and seek an amicable resolution.
Nwankwo said the lawmakers were mindful of the constitutional issues raised but stressed the need for dialogue. “Rivers State has issued a notice of impeachment on the governor and his deputy. We appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and explore ways of resolving this matter without resorting to impeachment,” he said.
He added that the appeal followed consultations with stakeholders within and outside the state. “Having listened to numerous calls from our elders and leaders, we are pleading with our colleagues to reconsider their steps and allow this matter to be resolved amicably, even though the governor and his deputy are alleged to have infringed the Constitution,” Nwankwo said.
Last Thursday, Governor Fubara and his deputy were reported to have been served with impeachment notices over allegations of gross misconduct.
The Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, had earlier presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers, detailing several allegations against the governor. These include extra-budgetary spending exceeding N800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, the demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged defiance of Supreme Court judgments on legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor, accusing her of conniving in unconstitutional expenditures.
The Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, said the notices would be formally served on the governor and his deputy within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.
However, Governor Fubara has denied receiving any impeachment notice from the House.
The latest development signals a renewed escalation of the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, which followed the rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Earlier impeachment attempts in 2023 and 2025 were stalled following presidential interventions, before President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state in March last year.
