The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum has expressed deep concern and unequivocal condemnation over the impeachment notice issued against Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued on January 9, 2026, and signed by
Dr. Gabriel T.G. Toby, former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, and Acting Chairman, Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum, the body described the impeachment move as a dangerous misuse of a serious constitutional mechanism, warning that impeachment must not be reduced to an instrument for political vendetta, factional rivalry or personal ambition.
According to the elders, the grounds so far advanced in support of the impeachment are alarmingly weak, lacking constitutional substance, public interest justification or any compelling evidence of gross misconduct.
The Forum maintained that the action appears driven by narrow and self-serving political interests rather than any sincere concern for good governance or the welfare of Rivers people.
The Forum reminded lawmakers that Governor Fubara’s mandate was freely and democratically conferred by the people of Rivers State and can only be challenged in strict accordance with the Constitution, due process and on the basis of clear, verifiable and weighty grounds.
It cautioned that the current impeachment attempt risks deepening political fault lines, eroding public confidence in democratic institutions and further destabilising an already fragile political environment.
The elders recalled that Rivers State is yet to fully recover from the political, social and institutional disruptions occasioned by the recent period of emergency rule, stressing that the people are still grappling with the aftermath.
They warned that reopening political hostilities at this early stage of the year could inflame tensions, reopen old wounds and undermine the urgent need for stability and focused governance.
Consequently, the Forum 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 calculations or personal considerations.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, justice and constitutional democracy, the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum vowed not to remain silent in the face of any action capable of threatening the stability, dignity and future of Rivers State.
“Let wise counsel prevail.
Let Rivers State heal.
Let Rivers State move forward,” the statement concluded.
