‘Temper Justice with Mercy’ — Rivers Lawmakers Ask Colleagues to Halt Fubara Impeachment

Two lawmakers of the Rivers state house of assembly have appealed to their colleagues to halt the ongoing impeachment process against Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, and Ngozi Odu, his deputy.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Rivers, Sylvanus Nwankwo, the house minority leader who represents Omuma state constituency, asked the parliament to “temper justice with mercy” and explore alternatives to Fubara’s removal from office.

“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,” he said.

“That is why we are here this morning to appeal to the conscience of our fellow colleagues. Having listened to so many pleas, calls from our elders and leaders, both within and outside the state, begging for leniency

“We are begging, calling on 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 are appealing to them to reconsider our stand.”

Also speaking, Peter Abbey, who represents Degema state constituency, echoed the call for restraint, describing the situation as one that requires a human approach.

“He [Fubara] has infringed on parts of the constitution, but we are human beings, and we, as members of the 10th assembly, want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider,” he said.

Abbey said the governor also has a responsibility to de-escalate the crisis by ensuring that there are no further constitutional breaches, which he said could pave the way for a peaceful settlement.

“The governor, too, has a role to play; he must ensure he does not infringe further on the constitution. That will bring an amicable settlement to the whole thing,” he said.

On Thursday, the state parliament commenced impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy.

The lawmakers launched the process after Major Jack, leader of the assembly, read gross misconduct charges against Fubara, signed by 26 members of the house.

The intermittent divisions between the executive and the legislature, and the latest impeachment moves, have heightened political tensions in the state.