Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have reaffirmed their decision to proceed with the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, saying the process remains the only viable way to resolve the lingering political crisis in the state.
The lawmakers made the declaration on Friday while addressing journalists, a day after the Assembly failed to reconvene as earlier scheduled. Speaking in turns, they defended the impeachment move, describing it as constitutional and consistent with their legislative duties.
They dismissed public criticism and concerns raised by some stakeholders, insisting that the House was acting within the provisions of the law to address what they termed a political deadlock in Rivers State.
The briefing followed the Assembly’s inability to resume plenary on Thursday, exactly one week after it adjourned its last sitting.
At that previous sitting, lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct.
Among the allegations levelled against the executive were the demolition of the Assembly complex and the alleged expenditure of public funds without legislative approval.
The impeachment process, however, has faced resistance within the House, as four lawmakers reportedly withdrew from the exercise earlier in the week, calling instead for dialogue and an amicable resolution of the crisis.
Despite speculation of internal divisions caused by the failure to hold plenary as expected, the lawmakers maintained that the impeachment process was still on track and had not been abandoned.
They assured that further steps would be taken in line with constitutional provisions, as political developments in the state continue to unfold.
