Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to suspend the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and explore alternative means of resolving the state’s political crisis.

The appeal was made on Monday during a press conference in Port Harcourt, where the lawmakers cautioned against escalating tensions through impeachment.

Speaking at the briefing, the Minority Leader of the House and member representing Omuma State Constituency, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, urged the Assembly to exercise restraint and embrace reconciliation.

“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,” Nwankwo said.

He explained that the intervention was driven by widespread appeals from leaders and elders within and outside Rivers State, who have called for leniency and dialogue.

“That is why we are here this morning to appeal to the conscience of our fellow colleagues. Having listened to so many pleas and calls from our elders and leaders, we are begging our colleagues to reconsider this step and see how this matter can be resolved amicably,” he added.

While acknowledging alleged constitutional infractions by the governor and his deputy, Nwankwo maintained that impeachment should not be the first option.

“Even though the governor and deputy governor may have infringed on the constitution, we are appealing to our colleagues to reconsider our stand,” he said.

Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Degema State Constituency, Hon. Peter Abbey, echoed the call for caution, stressing the need for a humane and conciliatory approach.

“Yes, the governor has infringed on parts of the constitution, but we are human beings. As members of the 10th Assembly, we want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider,” Abbey said.

He added that Governor Fubara also has a responsibility to help calm the situation by avoiding further actions that could worsen the crisis.

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

Recall that the Rivers State House of Assembly last Thursday commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy following the presentation of a notice of allegations.

The process was initiated after the Leader of the House, Major Jack, read seven allegations of gross misconduct against the governor, as contained in a notice signed by 26 lawmakers.

The allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, alleged withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to the legislature.

The impeachment move came days after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accused Governor Fubara of reneging on a peace agreement reportedly brokered by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.