Rivers State lawmakers have accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of attempting to manipulate their constituents to recall them from the Assembly, rather than engage in dialogue to resolve the state’s ongoing political crisis.

Hon. Looloo Opuende, representing Akuku Toru Constituency 11, said during a press briefing at the temporary Assembly complex on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, that while efforts were made by some members to seek a peaceful political solution, the governor was allegedly “busy paying our constituents to withdraw us from the Assembly.”

Opuende emphasized that impeachment is a constitutional matter, urging the Speaker to reconstitute the House and allow the process to continue. “If you wanted peace, you should have called the leadership of the Assembly to discuss the right way forward,” he said.

Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, representing Obio/Akpor Constituency 11, also stated that attempts at political resolution had failed, noting that the governor and deputy governor were showing “strong indications that they still want to continue with illegal actions in the state.”

Hon. Barile Nwakoh of Khana Constituency 1 added that the executive’s strategy appeared aimed at intimidating lawmakers to abandon the impeachment process, which he described as “very bad for our democracy.”

The impeachment notice, issued on January 8, cites allegations of gross misconduct, including extra-budgetary spending exceeding N800 billion without legislative approval, withholding statutory funds for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.

During plenary on Friday, under the supervision of Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the House voted to investigate the governor and his deputy, with 25 lawmakers supporting the motion and none opposing.

When asked to comment on claims that the governor had influenced constituents, Dr. Darlington Oji, the Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, said, “I am not aware.”