…“Although Fubara may have infringed on certain constitutional provisions, we are human beings.
RIVERS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Rivers State House of Assembly appears deeply divided following calls by two lawmakers for a suspension of impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The appeal came as a surprise to many on Monday in Port Harcourt, when the House Minority Leader, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, who represents Omuma State Constituency, urged his colleagues to exercise restraint and seek alternative means of resolving the crisis rather than proceeding with impeachment.
Addressing journalists at a press conference, Nwankwo appealed to lawmakers to “temper justice with mercy,” stressing the need for dialogue and reconciliation.
“We have called this press conference to appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to find a way to resolve this matter outside impeachment proceedings,” he said.
He explained that the appeal followed numerous interventions from elders and leaders within and outside the state who had called for leniency.
“We are pleading with our colleagues to reconsider this step and explore an amicable resolution. While there may have been constitutional breaches by the governor and his deputy, we believe this matter can still be resolved peacefully,” Nwankwo added.
Also speaking, Hon. Peter Abbey, who represents Degema State Constituency, supported the call for caution, describing the situation as one that demands a humane approach.
“Although Fubara may have infringed on certain constitutional provisions, we are human beings. As members of the 10th Assembly, we are appealing to our colleagues to reconsider,” Abbey said.
He further noted that Fubara must also play a role in easing tensions by avoiding any further constitutional violations, which he said could help create room for dialogue and settlement.
However, the intervention by the two lawmakers contrasts sharply with the stance of the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Alabo Enemi George, who maintained that the impeachment process remains firmly on track.
When asked whether the Assembly might reconsider the impeachment move, George insisted that the process would continue unabated, noting that the governor and his deputy had already been formally served.
