The impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, have continued to generate sharp reactions across the state, with the Rivers State Youth Parliament declaring total support for the process, while the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum urged caution, warning against actions capable of further destabilising the state.
While the Youth Parliament and the House of Assembly insist that the impeachment process is a constitutional necessity aimed at restoring order, accountability and peace, elders of the state have described the move as ill-advised, weakly justified and capable of plunging Rivers into another round of political instability.
Youth Parliament Declares “Total and Unequivocal Support”
In a strongly worded statement issued recently, the Rivers State Youth Parliament (RSYP) announced what it described as its “total, unequivocal and resolute support” for the impeachment proceedings, arguing that the action was “long overdue” and in the best interest of the state.
The statement, signed by the Speaker, Wisdom Bruce, who called on all constitutional bodies to conduct the impeachment process “with transparency, fairness and strict adherence to the rule of law,” while urging residents and political actors to remain peaceful.
According to the RSYP, Rivers State has endured “persistent political tension, a breakdown of trust among critical stakeholders, and repeated breaches of peace accords” over an extended period.
“These peace agreements were brokered severally by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other well-meaning national leaders in good faith,” the statement said. “Regrettably, these agreements have been consistently violated by the Governor of Rivers State, thereby undermining national efforts to restore calm and political stability.”
The Youth Parliament warned that the continued violation of peace accords amounted to what it called “a grave affront to democratic norms, constitutional responsibility and the authority of conflict-resolution mechanisms.”
Emphasising that impeachment is a constitutional safeguard and not a personal attack, the RSYP stated: “Impeachment, as provided for under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is not an act of vendetta but a legitimate democratic process designed to safeguard governance, uphold the rule of law and protect the public interest.”
The group further expressed concern that prolonged political crises were already affecting young people through economic stagnation, unemployment, shrinking opportunities and declining investor confidence.
“Our generation bears the brunt of governance failures,” the statement added. “We therefore cannot remain silent when leadership actions continually threaten peace and development.”
Assembly Says Process Is “Fully on Course”
The Rivers State House of Assembly has also reaffirmed its commitment to the impeachment process, dismissing reports suggesting that the exercise had been halted or abandoned.
In a press release issued on January 9, 2026, the Assembly said the impeachment proceedings, which commenced on Thursday, January 8, were “fully on course” and in strict compliance with **Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, with the approval of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, said: “The two notices of allegations of gross misconduct brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, while we await their responses.”
The Assembly also stressed that it remains constitutionally empowered to act in defence of the people and the Constitution.
“As we all know, it is the House of Assembly that is empowered by the Constitution to stand by the people and stop infractions on the Constitution by the Governor, Deputy Governor or any other officer of the Rivers State Government,” the release stated.
Reacting to claims circulating on social media and in some sections of the press, the Assembly accused unnamed individuals and platforms of deliberately spreading false narratives.
“Certain persons and media platforms are at it again to misinform the public, particularly to the effect that the process has been halted or discontinued,” the House said, adding that such efforts were aimed at causing disaffection between the legislature and well-meaning Nigerians.
The lawmakers vowed not to be deterred, declaring:
“We remain committed to our constitutional duties and would not be dissuaded by cheap blackmail or threats from those who do not mean well for our country’s nascent democracy.”
Elders Reject Impeachment, Warn of Deepening Crisis
In contrast, the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum issued a sharply critical response, condemning the impeachment notice and urging the House of Assembly to immediately retrace its steps.
In a statement also dated January 9, 2026, the Forum described the reasons advanced for the impeachment as “disturbingly weak,” alleging that the action was driven by “narrow personal interests rather than genuine concern for good governance.”
“Impeachment is a serious constitutional process, not a tool for political vendettas or factional struggles,” the elders declared.
The Forum reminded lawmakers that Governor Fubara’s mandate was freely given by the people of Rivers State and could only be questioned through strict compliance with constitutional provisions and on the basis of “clear, compelling and verifiable grounds.”
Warning of the broader implications, the elders stated:
“The current course of action risks deepening political divisions, eroding public trust in democratic institutions and further destabilising an already fragile polity.”
The statement, signed by His Excellency, Alabo Dr. Gabriel Toby, former Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Acting Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum.
They expressed particular concern that Rivers State was yet to fully recover from the political, social and institutional disruptions associated with the recent period of emergency rule.
“Our people continue to bear the consequences of that episode,” the statement said, cautioning that renewed political confrontation could reopen old wounds and heighten tensions at a time when stability and focused governance were urgently needed.
Deepening Divisions as Process Continues
With the impeachment process now formally underway, the contrasting positions of the Youth Parliament, the House of Assembly and the Elders Forum underscore the deep political divisions within Rivers State.
As responses from Governor Fubara and his deputy are awaited, observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the process leads to constitutional resolution or further escalates tensions in one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive states.
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