Rivers: Lawmakers break ranks to plead for mercy for Fubara

The united front of the Rivers State House of Assembly appears to be crumbling as key lawmakers have publicly broken ranks, calling for an immediate halt to the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.

In a move that caught many political observers off guard, House Minority Leader Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, representing Omuma constituency, spearheaded a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday to advocate for a diplomatic resolution over a political execution.

Despite acknowledging that the executive may have overstepped legal bounds, Nwankwo urged his colleagues to “temper justice with mercy and to see how we can resolve this matter apart from impeachment proceedings.”

The Minority Leader cited significant pressure from influential figures as the catalyst for this change of heart. He explained: “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.”

While the lawmakers did not deny the allegations of constitutional violations, they emphasized the need for a peaceful exit from the crisis. “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,” Nwankwo added.

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Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Peter Abbey, representing the Degema constituency, argued that the assembly should prioritize stability over strict punishment. Describing the tension as a situation requiring a “human approach,” Abbey noted: “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.”

Abbey further suggested that the path to peace is a two-way street, noting that the governor must also take active steps to de-escalate the friction by ensuring no further constitutional breaches occur.

Despite this sudden push for reconciliation, the leadership of the House appears unmoved. The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Alabo Enemi George, maintained that the legal machinery for the governor’s removal is already in motion and will not be derailed.

When questioned on whether the dissenting voices would cause the House to back down, George remained firm, asserting that nothing would stop the ongoing process. He further confirmed the gravity of the situation, stating that the governor and his deputy had already been served.

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