By SUNTV Global Channel | January 10, 2026
The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum has strongly condemned the impeachment notice issued against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, warning that the move threatens peace, democratic stability and good governance in Rivers State.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by the forum’s Acting Chairman, Alabo Dr. G. T. G. Toby, the elders described impeachment as a grave constitutional process that must not be weaponised for political vendettas, factional battles or personal interests.
The forum faulted the grounds so far advanced by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing them as “disturbingly weak”, lacking in substance, public interest justification and constitutional weight.
According to the elders, the impeachment move appears to be driven by narrow personal and political interests, rather than any genuine concern for accountability or good governance.
They stressed that Governor Fubara’s mandate was freely given by the people of Rivers State and can only be questioned in strict adherence to constitutional provisions, due process and on the basis of clear, compelling and verifiable grounds.
The forum warned that the ongoing impeachment process could deepen political divisions, erode public confidence in democratic institutions and destabilise an already fragile political environment in the state.
Recalling the recent period of emergency rule in Rivers State, the elders noted that the state is yet to fully recover from the political, social and institutional disruptions that followed.
They cautioned that the latest development risks reopening old wounds and escalating tensions at a time when stability, unity and focused governance are urgently required.
“The people of Rivers State need peace and development, not another cycle of political crisis,” the statement said.
The elders therefore called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to immediately retrace its steps, urging lawmakers to place the collective interest, peace and progress of Rivers State above partisan or personal considerations.
Reaffirming their commitment to constitutional democracy and peaceful coexistence, the forum declared that it will not remain silent in the face of actions that threaten the stability, dignity and future of Rivers State.
— SUNTV Global Channel
