Two additional members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to suspend the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The lawmakers—Barile Nwakoh, deputy minority leader representing Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II—made the call on Wednesday during a press conference in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Their appeal follows a similar plea on Monday by the minority leader of the house, Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency), and Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency), who urged the assembly to halt the process and seek alternative solutions.

Nwankwo had asked lawmakers to “temper justice with mercy” and explore amicable ways of resolving the crisis rather than removing the governor from office.

“We are begging and calling on our colleagues to reconsider this step and see how the matter can be resolved amicably,” Nwankwo said. “Even though the governor and deputy governor may have infringed on the constitution, we appeal for a reconsideration of our stance.”

The Rivers State House of Assembly formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy last Thursday, following the reading of allegations of gross misconduct by the assembly leader, Major Jack. The charges were reportedly signed by 26 lawmakers.

The impeachment move has further heightened political tensions in the state, amid long-standing rifts between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Most lawmakers in the assembly are believed to be loyal to Nyesom Wike, who has openly opposed Fubara’s re-election bid, accusing the governor of violating a peace agreement reached before President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule earlier imposed on the state.