RIVERS State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is yet to receive any formal notice of impeachment from the State House of Assembly, three days after 27 lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against him and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, over alleged misconduct.
Checks at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday evening revealed that no official communication had been delivered to the governor, despite assurances by the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, that the impeachment letter would be formally served.
A senior Government House source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that neither the governor nor his deputy had received or reviewed any impeachment notice from the legislature.
“I can tell you for free that the governor and his deputy have not reviewed any notice from the Assembly,” the source said.
The source explained that Governor Fubara only returned from an overseas trip on Sunday and proceeded directly to attend church service as part of activities marking the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
“He has not rested. He is expected to inspect several ongoing projects scattered across the state. For now, I know he hasn’t received any letter. I have not even seen the governor myself. The man is busy working for the good of the state, as practical as he is,” the source added.
Meanwhile, signs of division have emerged within the House of Assembly, as two lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, publicly distanced themselves from the impeachment plot.
The lawmakers, Sylvanus Nwankwo, Minority Leader of the House and member representing Omuma State Constituency, and Peter Abbey, representing Degema State Constituency, called on their colleagues to halt the impeachment process and seek alternative means of resolving the political crisis.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, Nwankwo urged lawmakers to exercise restraint and show compassion.
“We have called this press conference to appeal to our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and to explore ways of resolving this matter outside impeachment proceedings,” he said.
He explained that their intervention followed intense appeals from respected elders and leaders within and outside Rivers State.
“We have listened to so many pleas and calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, begging for leniency. That is why we are here—to appeal to the conscience of our colleagues,” Nwankwo said.
While acknowledging alleged constitutional infractions by the governor and his deputy, the lawmaker urged his colleagues to reconsider their position in the interest of peace.
“Even though the governor and deputy governor may have infringed on the constitution, we are appealing that this matter be resolved amicably,” he added.
Abbey echoed the appeal, describing impeachment as a drastic step that should be avoided where possible.
“Yes, there may have been constitutional infringements, but we are human beings. As members of the 10th Assembly, we plead with our colleagues to reconsider,” he said.
He also urged Governor Fubara to play his part in de-escalating tensions.
“The governor must ensure that there are no further constitutional violations. That will help bring an amicable settlement to the entire situation,” Abbey stated.