Two additional members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have distanced themselves from the impeachment proceedings initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, further weakening the momentum behind the controversial move.

The lawmakers — Barile Nwakoh, representing Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi, representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II — announced their decision to withdraw support for the process, citing the need for restraint and dialogue amid the escalating political tension in the state.

Their reversal comes barely 24 hours after two other legislators publicly stepped back from the impeachment effort, signalling growing divisions within the Assembly over the handling of the crisis.

With the latest development, the number of lawmakers distancing themselves from the impeachment process has continued to rise, raising questions about the sustainability of the proceedings and the possibility of an internal rethink within the legislature.

Meanwhile, calls for dialogue and reconciliation have also intensified. On Monday, two lawmakers openly appealed to the Assembly to suspend the impeachment process and explore alternative conflict-resolution mechanisms.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Minority Leader of the House and member representing Omuma State Constituency, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, urged his colleagues to exercise caution 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.

According to him, the appeal followed widespread interventions from political leaders, elders and stakeholders within and outside Rivers State, who have expressed concern over the potential consequences of impeachment.

“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 allegations of constitutional breaches against the governor and his deputy, Nwankwo maintained that impeachment should not be the first resort.

“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 at the briefing, Hon. Peter Abbey, who represents Degema State Constituency, echoed the call for restraint, stressing the need for a humane and conciliatory approach to resolving the crisis.

“Yes, the governor may have 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 further noted that Governor Fubara also has a responsibility to de-escalate the situation by avoiding actions capable of worsening the political standoff.

“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 stated.

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 impeachment move followed renewed political tensions in the state, which intensified 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.

As lawmakers continue to realign and public appeals for dialogue grow louder, political observers say the unfolding developments could significantly reshape the direction of the crisis, with reconciliation now emerging as a viable alternative to impeachment.