Diaspora Professionals Warn Impeachment Moves Against Fubara Threaten Democracy in Rivers

Nigerian professionals in the diaspora have warned that the renewed impeachment moves against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, constitute a political project capable of undermining democratic order in the oil-rich state.

In an e-statement issued on Monday, the Nigerian Diaspora Professionals for Democratic Stability (NDPDS) described the impeachment attempts by the Rivers State House of Assembly as an abuse of legislative power, rooted in the prolonged political rivalry between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The statement, signed by the group’s president, Dr. Chukwudi Nnamani, and its secretary, Mr. Adewale Ogunsiwaju, noted that the resurfacing of the impeachment process—despite earlier political interventions and judicial proceedings—risked turning constitutional mechanisms into tools of political vendetta.

“The impeachment threats against Governor Fubara have become cyclical, predictable and politically motivated. This is no longer about oversight or constitutional accountability; it is about who controls Rivers State’s political structure and resources,” the statement read.

According to the group, the crisis in Rivers State began with the breakdown of the political relationship between Fubara and Wike shortly after the governor assumed office, adding that legislative actions since then have reflected factional loyalties rather than public interest.

“It is impossible to ignore the context. The House of Assembly has been deeply polarised, with legislative actions reflecting allegiance to external political authority rather than the electorate,” the group said.

The diaspora professionals warned that persistent impeachment attempts could undermine governance, deter investors and worsen institutional instability in a state critical to Nigeria’s economic survival.

“Rivers State is not a playground for political brinkmanship. It is a strategic economic nerve centre, and governance cannot be held hostage to unresolved elite power struggles,” the statement added.

They further cautioned that repeated impeachment plots erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, stressing that impeachment should remain a last-resort constitutional remedy.

“When impeachment becomes routine rather than exceptional, democracy is weakened. What is happening in Rivers should worry every Nigerian,” the group said.

The NDPDS called on political leaders, the judiciary and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue, urging the Rivers State House of Assembly to avoid actions that could plunge the state into deeper political crisis.

“The mandate of the people must be respected. Rivers State deserves governance, not perpetual political warfare,” the statement concluded.