A former federal lawmaker, Ogbonna Nwuke, has recalled the last sitting of the Rivers State House of Assembly before it adjourned plenary until January 15, noting that developments since then suggest the House may reconsider its stance.
Naijaonpoint reports that Nwuke, who represented Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and also served as Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, said it appeared the larger House was beginning to bend after hearing interventions from various quarters, including within its own ranks.
Speaking with Punch on the impeachment proceedings initiated against Siminalayi Fubara, the former lawmaker noted that several developments followed the Assembly’s last sitting.
Nwuke said, “You and I know that after that sitting when they commenced the impeachment against the governor, many developments began to come up.
“You know that four of their colleagues have pulled out of the impeachment.”
He added that the dissenting lawmakers did not stop at withdrawing their support but also appealed to other members to do the same.
“They didn’t stop there, but also called on fellow House members in the camp to also withdraw. So naturally, I’m certain that quite a number of people and expectations are high,” he said.
Nwuke said lawmakers would likely weigh these developments carefully when they reconvene.
“They (lawmakers) probably will sit and look at all of that. If there are rumours of impeachment, it is entirely a problem of the House,” he added.
The former lawmaker emphasised the need for synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government to promote peace and development in Rivers State.
According to him, reconciliation remains the most viable path forward.
Nwuke said, “I think what great minds in Rivers State want at this time in our history is a clear understanding that there will be no impeachment.
“A clear understanding that there will be a working relationship between the House and the executive arm.”
Nwuke said such expectations reflect the general mood of the people of the state.
“These are the expectations, very likely, and I’m sure quite a number of Rivers people agree to this,” he said.
He expressed hope that when the House reconvenes, its direction would become clearer to the public.
“So we are hoping that when the House reconvenes, people will be able to study the mood of the House and be able to understand what direction the House is following at this time,” he added.