By SUNTV Global Channel | January 12, 2026
Fresh cracks have emerged in the Rivers State House of Assembly as two lawmakers formally withdrew their support for the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, urging a peaceful and political resolution to the crisis.
The lawmakers, Hon. Sylvanus Enyi Nwankwo, representing Omuma State Constituency and Minority Leader of the Assembly, alongside Hon. Peter Abi of Degema State Constituency, made their position public in a video address on Monday.
In the video, the legislators appealed passionately to their colleagues to temper justice with mercy and explore alternative solutions rather than proceed with the removal of the governor and his deputy.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen of the press. My name is Hon. Sylvanus Enyi Nwankwo. I represent Omuma State Constituency at the Rivers State House of Assembly and I am the Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly,” Nwankwo said.
Introducing his colleague, he added, “My name is Hon. Peter Abi, and I represent Degema State Constituency.”
Addressing the impeachment notice already served on Governor Fubara and his deputy, the lawmakers said the press briefing was convened to formally appeal to members of the House.
“You are all aware that the Rivers State House of Assembly issued a notice of impeachment on the Governor and the Deputy Governor,” they stated.
“But we have called this press conference to appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and see how this matter can be resolved outside impeachment proceedings.”
The lawmakers revealed that sustained pressure from elders and respected leaders within and outside Rivers State influenced their decision to pull back from the impeachment move.
“Having listened to so many pleas and calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, begging for leniency, we are calling on our colleagues to reconsider and see how this matter can be resolved amicably, even though the Governor and the Deputy Governor may have infringed on the Constitution,” they said.
While acknowledging alleged constitutional breaches, the lawmakers stressed the need for restraint and dialogue.
“Yes, the Governor may have infringed on parts of the Constitution, but we are human beings. As members of the 10th Assembly, we are pleading with our colleagues to reconsider,” they added.
They warned against taking irreversible political actions, noting that appeals had come from prominent figures across the country.
“We have received calls from leaders within Rivers State and outside. You don’t raise the axe and sweep it as you raise it,” the lawmakers cautioned.
However, they emphasised that Governor Fubara must also play his part in resolving the crisis.
“The Governor also has a role to play. He must ensure that he does not further infringe on the Constitution so that there can be an amicable settlement of the entire issue,” they said.
The intervention by the two lawmakers comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, as the impeachment process continues to stir controversy and deepen divisions within the House of Assembly.
— SUNTV Global Channel
