Citizens of Rivers State have raised a collective voice of concern, urging their political leaders to reconsider a fresh move to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They warn that this latest political maneuver signals further retrogression for the state and is dangerously ill-timed.
A Third Attempt at Impeachment Sparks Fresh Fears
The growing anxiety follows the initiation of new impeachment proceedings by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. This development marks the third impeachment attempt targeting the governor, with previous moves recorded on October 30, 2023, and March 17, 2025.
In the current action, a group of 26 lawmakers has leveled accusations of gross misconduct against the governor. The primary allegation centers on the purported spending of public funds without an approved budget, a serious charge that has further inflamed the state's political atmosphere.
Collapse of Peace Deal and Rising Tensions
This renewed impeachment push occurs against a backdrop of significantly heightened political tension. The situation deteriorated following the return of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to Rivers State for the festive season. His public statements have been widely interpreted as confirming the collapse of the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu on September 18, 2025.
During a series of "thank you" tours across local government areas, Wike was reported to have vowed that the state would "correct the mistakes of 2023." He also emphasized that occupying the governor's office does not automatically grant leadership of a political party or guarantee future electoral tickets, comments seen as direct provocations.
Residents and Stakeholders Plead for Stability
Reactions from residents and former officials highlight a deep fatigue with constant political wrangling. Opunabo Inko-Tariah, a former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Wike, described the latest impeachment move as "quite unfortunate." He blamed the resurgence of hostilities on unnecessary power struggles.
"We do not need this now. The people are tired of the constant political crises. This whole saga is not in the interest of Rivers people; it is egocentric and self-serving," Inko-Tariah stated. He accused the minister of using assembly members to pursue personal interests and urged President Tinubu to intervene, warning against "premature political campaigns disguised as thanksgiving tours."
The impact on daily life and commerce is already being felt. Mr. Akinwatimi Akinola Joshua, an entrepreneur and auto mechanic in the state, reported a drastic slowdown in economic activities. "Businesses have slowed down drastically. Nothing is moving. Since the state of emergency, the state has stagnated," he lamented, calling on the House of Assembly and all actors to allow the governor to complete his tenure.
Echoing this sentiment, Mrs. Caroline Ibinabo, a trader at Mile One Market, expressed dismay that the political class seems unwilling to allow a period of stability. She stressed that Rivers State is in urgent need of development, not prolonged political battles.
The collective appeal from the citizens of Rivers is clear: they seek peace, stability, and a focus on governance that addresses pressing economic and social challenges, rather than continuous impeachment threats and political warfare.
