The impeachment process against Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has suffered a major setback following the decision of two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to withdraw their support and instead call for a political resolution to the political crisis rocking the state.
The lawmakers, Hon. Barango, the Deputy Minority Leader representing Gokana Constituency I, and Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, who represents Obio/Akpor Constituency II, made their position known during a joint press briefing held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Speaking at the briefing, Hon. Barango clarified that while they were initially part of the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, they no longer support an outright removal of the elected officials.She stressed that they were speaking in their individual capacities and not on behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly, noting that they had not been authorised to represent the position of the legislature as an institution.
According to her, the decision to step back from the impeachment process followed intense appeals from political leaders and concerned citizens across Rivers State who urged them to pursue dialogue and reconciliation rather than deepen the political crisis.
Barango insisted that the move should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness, but as an act of forgiveness and responsibility in the overall interest of peace and stability in the state. She added that Rivers State could not afford prolonged political tension and division.The lawmakers called on Governor Fubara and his deputy to retrace their steps, govern strictly in line with the provisions of the Constitution, and honour all political agreements previously reached under the supervision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They expressed hope that clear assurances from the executive arm would help restore trust and make a political settlement possible, thereby preventing further escalation of the crisis.In her own remarks, Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi disclosed that she had informed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, whom she described as her constituent, before participating in the press briefing.
Amadi said the former Rivers governor advised her to act according to her conscience, respect the Constitution, and uphold all agreements entered into with the supervision of President Tinubu for the overall good of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The lawmakers also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his intervention efforts and thanked the people of Rivers State for their encouragement and support.
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