Rivers Elders Warn Against Impeachment of Governor Fubara

The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum (RELEF) has expressed deep concern over the impeachment notice served to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday, RELEF’s Acting Chairman, Dr. Gabriel Toby, a former deputy governor of Rivers State, condemned the move, describing it as a potential threat to the state’s stability and democratic processes.

The impeachment notice followed an emergency plenary of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday. Toby warned that impeachment is a serious constitutional process that must not be exploited for political vendettas or factional rivalry. He criticized the reasons cited by lawmakers for attempting to remove Fubara as weak, insubstantial, and lacking public interest or constitutional justification.

“The allegations against Governor Fubara appear driven by narrow personal interests rather than sincere concern for good governance,” Toby said. He emphasized that the governor’s mandate was freely given by the electorate and can only be challenged through strict adherence to constitutional provisions, due process, and verifiable grounds.

Toby cautioned that the impeachment effort could deepen political divisions, erode public confidence in democratic institutions, and destabilize the already fragile political environment of Rivers State, which is still recovering from past emergency rule disruptions.

The elder statesman urged lawmakers to prioritize the collective interest of the state above partisan or personal considerations. He called for wisdom, restraint, and stability, stressing that the state needs focused governance to heal and progress.

RELEF reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, justice, and constitutional democracy, warning that it would not remain silent against actions capable of undermining the stability, dignity, and future of Rivers State.