Abuja: The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum (RELEF) has raised concerns over the impeachment notice issued to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Ordu. The Acting Chairman of RELEF, Dr. Gabriel Toby, who is a former deputy governor of Rivers, criticized the impeachment efforts in a statement released in Port Harcourt.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the impeachment move was initiated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly during an emergency plenary held on Wednesday. Toby emphasized that impeachment is a serious constitutional process and should not be used for political vendetta or factional disputes. He argued that the justifications given by the lawmakers for the governor’s removal lack substantial public interest or constitutional merit.
Toby expressed that the allegations against Governor Fubara seem motivated by narrow personal motives rather than genuine concerns for governance. He highlighted that the governor’s mandate was granted by the electorate and should only be challenged under constitutional provisions with clear and verifiable grounds. Toby warned that pursuing the impeachment could increase political divisions and weaken public trust in democratic institutions, potentially destabilizing the state’s already fragile political climate.
He reminded that Rivers State has not fully recovered from the disruptions of past emergency rule, and the current situation could exacerbate tensions. Emphasizing the need for stability and focused governance, Toby urged lawmakers to reconsider their actions for the sake of peace and progress. He called on the legislators to prioritize the collective interest of the state over personal or partisan concerns, reaffirming the forum’s dedication to peace, unity, justice, and constitutional democracy. Toby declared that RELEF will not stay silent in the face of actions that threaten the stability and future of Rivers State.