The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum, RELEF, has expressed concern over the impeachment notice issued to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Ordu. The move to impeach the governor was conveyed by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly following an emergency plenary on Wednesday.
According to Dr. Gabriel Toby, the Acting Chairman of RELEF and a former deputy governor of Rivers, the impeachment process is a grave constitutional matter that should not be used as a tool for political vendetta or factional rivalry. He stated that the reasons provided by the lawmakers for the attempted removal of the governor are weak and lack public interest justification or constitutional weight.
The allegations against Governor Fubara appear to be driven by personal interests rather than a genuine concern for good governance in the state. Dr. Toby emphasized that the governor’s mandate was given by the electorate and can only be questioned through strict compliance with constitutional provisions, due process, and clear grounds.
The current course of action could deepen political divisions and erode public confidence in democratic institutions, Dr. Toby cautioned. It may also destabilize the already fragile political environment in the state, which has yet to fully recover from the recent emergency rule. The people of Rivers State are still bearing the consequences of that episode, and the present development risks reopening old wounds and heightening tensions.
Dr. Toby stressed that stability and focused governance are urgently required, and he called on the lawmakers to retrace their steps in the interest of peace and progress. He urged the legislators to prioritize the collective interest of the state above partisan or personal considerations. The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, justice, and constitutional democracy.
The forum will not remain silent in the face of actions that could threaten the stability, dignity, and future of Rivers State. Dr. Toby appealed for wisdom and restraint to prevail in the overall interest of the people, urging all stakeholders to allow the state to heal and move forward. The situation in Rivers State will likely continue to unfold, with the impeachment notice hanging over the governor and his deputy. The next steps taken by the lawmakers and other stakeholders will be crucial in determining the outcome of this developing story.
