A powerful group of elders in Rivers State has issued a strong demand to the state's House of Assembly, urging an immediate halt to the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum has labeled the lawmakers' actions as self-serving and devoid of public interest.
Elders Decry Impeachment as a Tool for Vendetta
In a strongly-worded statement released on the night of Friday, January 9, 2026, the forum's acting Chairman, Dr. Gabriel Toby, condemned the move led by the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly. The elders, speaking from Port Harcourt, argued that the impeachment process lacks any substantive, constitutional, or public-interest grounds.
The forum explicitly stated that impeachment should not be weaponized for political vendettas or factional power struggles. They accused the legislators of being motivated by narrow personal interests rather than a genuine commitment to good governance and the welfare of Rivers people.
A Mandate Given by the People
The elders reminded the Assembly that Governor Fubara's mandate was bestowed by the electorate of Rivers State. They emphasized that any challenge to this mandate must follow strict constitutional provisions, due process, and be based on clear, verifiable evidence of wrongdoing.
"We call on the Rivers State House of Assembly to immediately retrace its steps and place the collective interest, peace, and progress of Rivers State above all partisan or personal considerations," the forum's statement declared. The group reiterated its unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and constitutional democracy in the state, vowing not to stay silent amidst actions that threaten stability.
Third Attempt and External Voices
This marks the third time the Rivers State Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara since his election in 2023. The political crisis has drawn commentary from other political figures across Nigeria.
Recall that former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, recently commented on the situation, suggesting that only spiritual intervention could save Fubara from impeachment. Fayose also pointed fingers at the governor, urging a sincere reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom many see as a central figure in the ongoing political rift.
The intervention by the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum adds significant weight to calls for a political solution, placing immense pressure on the lawmakers to justify their actions or stand them down for the sake of peace in the oil-rich state.
