- Safiu Kehinde
Two Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have withdrawn from the impeachment process against the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The two Pro-Wike lawmakers who identified themselves as Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma State Constituency} and Peter Abbey (Degema State Constituency) made this known in a press conference held on Monday in Port Harcourt, the state’s capital.
Addressing newsmen, Nwankwo who is also the Minority Leader of the House, pleaded with the lawmakers to reconsider the impeachment process despite admitting to Fubara’s violation of the constitution.
The lawmaker revealed that they have received several calls from leaders and stakeholders across the state.
He called for an alternative resolution of the issue with the impeaching Fubara.
“You are all aware that the Rivers State House of Assembly issued a notice of impeachment to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy governor.
“But we have called this Press Conference to appeal to our fellow colleagues to tamper justice with mercy and to see how we can resolve this matter apart from the impeachment proceedings. That is why we are here this morning.
“We appeal to the conscience of our fellow colleagues, having listened to so many pleas from our elders and leaders both within and outside the state.
“We are begging 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 appealing to them to reconsider our stance.” He said.
On his part, Abbey affirmed the Minority Leader’s plea.
He however maintained that Fubara also has a role to play by making sure the constitution is no longer infringed.
“As the Minority Leader has said, the governor has infringed in parts of the constitution. But we are human beings and we as members of the 10th Assembly, we want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider.
“We’ve received calls from leaders and people. We insist that you don’t raise the axe and swing it as you use it. We plead with our colleagues to please reconsider, providing the governor too has a role to play.
“He too must make sure he doesn’t infringe furthermore on the constitution. That will an amicable settlement to the whole thing.” He said.