The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum has strongly faulted the impeachment notice issued against Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, describing the reasons advanced by the Rivers State House of Assembly as weak, unsubstantial and lacking constitutional merit.
In a press release issued on Friday and signed by a former Deputy Governor of the state, Alabo Dr. G. T. G. Toby, who is the Acting Chairman of the Forum, the elders expressed “deep concern and unequivocal condemnation” of the impeachment move, warning that it could further destabilise the state.
The Forum stressed that impeachment is a grave constitutional process that must not be deployed as an instrument of political vendetta or factional battles, noting that the allegations so far cited against the governor and his deputy lack public interest justification and constitutional weight.
“The reasons so far advanced in support of this action are disturbingly weak. They appear driven by narrow personal interests rather than genuine concern for good governance,” the statement said.
The elders reminded lawmakers that Governor Fubara’s mandate was freely given by the people of Rivers State and can only be challenged through strict adherence to constitutional provisions, due process, and on the basis of clear, compelling and verifiable grounds.
They cautioned that the impeachment process, if pursued, could deepen political divisions, erode public confidence in democratic institutions and heighten instability in the state.
Raising concerns about the timing of the impeachment move, the Forum recalled that Rivers State is yet to fully recover from the political, social and institutional disruptions associated with the recent period of emergency rule, warning that the current development risks reopening old wounds and escalating tensions.
“Rivers people continue to bear the consequences of that episode, and this development, so early in the year, threatens stability at a time when focused governance is urgently needed,” the elders stated.
The Forum therefore called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to immediately retrace its steps and place the collective interest, peace and progress of the state above partisan or personal considerations.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, justice and constitutional democracy, the elders warned that they would not remain silent in the face of actions that threaten the stability, dignity and future of Rivers State.
“Let wise counsel prevail. Let Rivers State heal. Let Rivers State move forward,” the statement concluded.
