Rivers Elders Condemn Impeachment Move Against Gov Fubara, Warn of Political Vendetta

The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum has condemned the impeachment notice issued against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, expressing deep concern over the development.

The elders’ position was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Chairman of the forum, Alabo Dr. G. T. G. Toby, and issued on Friday.

The forum described impeachment as a “grave constitutional process” that must not be trivialised or used as an instrument for political vendetta or factional rivalry.

According to the elders, the reasons so far advanced in support of the impeachment are “disturbingly weak,” lacking substance, public interest justification, and constitutional merit. Speaking on behalf of the group, the former deputy governor of Rivers State warned that the action appears to be driven by narrow personal interests rather than a genuine commitment to good governance.

The forum stressed that the mandate given to Governor Fubara by the people of Rivers State can only be challenged in strict adherence to constitutional provisions, due process, and on the basis of clear, compelling, and verifiable grounds.

The elders cautioned that the impeachment move could further deepen political divisions in the state, weaken public confidence in democratic institutions, and destabilise an already fragile political environment.

Recalling the recent period of emergency rule in Rivers State, the forum noted that the state has yet to fully recover from the political, social, and institutional disruptions that followed. It warned that the latest development risks reopening old wounds and escalating tensions at a time when stability and focused governance are urgently needed.

Consequently, the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum called on the House of Assembly to immediately reconsider its actions and place the collective interest, peace, and progress of the state above partisan or personal considerations.

While reaffirming its commitment to peace and constitutional democracy, the forum declared that it would not remain silent in the face of any action that threatens the stability, dignity, and future of Rivers State.