A sharp division has emerged within the Rivers State House of Assembly as two lawmakers publicly appealed for the withdrawal of ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, urging colleagues to pursue amicable resolution instead of removal from office.

The intervention highlights deepening political tensions in the state legislature.

At a press conference on Monday in Port Harcourt, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, the House Minority Leader and representative for Omuma State Constituency, appealed to fellow legislators to “temper justice with mercy” and explore alternatives to impeachment.

Nwankwo acknowledged constitutional breaches by the governor and deputy but said the situation required restraint and dialogue rather than immediate removal.

“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,” Nwankwo said, noting calls from leaders and elders within and outside Rivers State urging a more conciliatory approach.

Joining the appeal, Hon. Peter Abbey, representing Degema State Constituency, described the situation as needing a human approach.

Abbey said while the governor and deputy had infringed on parts of the constitution, the assembly should reconsider its steps and prioritise lasting peace and stability.

“As members of the 10th Assembly, we want to plead with our colleagues to please reconsider,” he said, adding that an amicable settlement required both legislative and executive goodwill.

The intervention by Nwankwo and Abbey appears to contradict the stance of Hon. Alabo Enemi George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, who insisted that impeachment proceedings remain ongoing and that the governor and deputy had already been served with notices.

George affirmed the assembly’s commitment to the process, dismissing suggestions that it could be halted at this stage.

Political tensions in Rivers State have escalated in recent weeks following the commencement of impeachment motions, which critics argue deepen the longstanding crisis between the governor and factions within the legislature.

Supporters of both sides have traded accusations, and the divide has drawn attention from political stakeholders beyond the state.

The appeal for restraint by the two lawmakers reflects broader calls from various leaders and organisations for de-escalation and dialogue, with some stakeholders urging legislative caution to preserve governance stability and avoid further polarisation.

As the political standoff continues, the House of Assembly faces a critical decision point over whether to pursue the impeachment process to its conclusion or shift towards negotiated solutions that could reduce tensions and foster institutional cooperation.