Rivers State Assembly’s Impeachment Push Against Governor Fubara: A Dangerous Descent into Parochial Politics

Rivers State Assembly’s Impeachment Push Against Governor Fubara: A Dangerous Descent into Parochial Politics

By Bapakaye Ijuma/January 18th, 2026

Coordinator, Niger Delta Watch Dogs

The ongoing moves by certain members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara represent a troubling low point in the state’s democratic journey. What should be a sober constitutional process appears, instead, to be driven by narrow interests, political desperation, and a reckless disregard for governance stability.

Impeachment is not a tool for vendetta, intimidation, or political theatrics. It is an extreme constitutional measure designed to address grave violations of law or misconduct—none of which have been credibly established against Governor Fubara. To weaponize such a process for personal or factional gain is not only parochial but profoundly damaging to democratic norms.

A Misuse of Legislative Power

The Rivers State Assembly, as an institution, carries the sacred responsibility of lawmaking, oversight, and representation of the people’s will. However, the current posture of some legislators suggests a troubling deviation from these responsibilities. Rather than prioritizing the pressing needs of Rivers people—security, development, economic recovery, and social cohesion—the Assembly appears consumed by internal power struggles and political calculations.

This approach reduces governance to spectacle and diminishes the credibility of the legislature itself. When lawmakers act without restraint, clarity, or public interest, they risk eroding the very institution they claim to defend.

Governor Fubara and Constitutional Reality

Governor Fubara is not a political novice, nor is he insulated from constitutional scrutiny. However, impeachment is neither easy nor arbitrary. It requires due process, substantial evidence, and adherence to the rule of law. Any attempt to short-circuit these requirements exposes ulterior motives and weakens the legitimacy of the action.

The assumption that a sitting governor can be casually removed reflects a misunderstanding—or deliberate misrepresentation—of constitutional governance. Rivers State is not served by such recklessness.

A Warning from History

The Niger Delta Watch Dogs wishes to clearly warn members of the Rivers State House of Assembly against continuing on this path. History has a long memory. Legislators who choose political brinkmanship over statesmanship often find their names recorded not for service, but for infamy.

Nigeria’s democratic history is littered with examples of assemblies that overreached, destabilized governance, and ultimately lost public trust. Rivers State must not be added to that list.

The Cost of Political Immaturity

Governance demands maturity, restraint, and wisdom. Actions that appear impulsive, confrontational, or driven by greed and ego undermine public confidence and project an image of institutional instability. Such behavior does not strengthen democracy; it weakens it.

The people of Rivers State deserve leadership—across all arms of government—that is focused, responsible, and committed to progress, not endless political drama.

Enough Is Enough.

The Niger Delta Watch Dogs believes that the time has come for reflection and restraint. Political differences must be resolved through dialogue, legality, and respect for democratic principles—not through constant threats of impeachment and institutional sabotage.

Rivers State stands at a critical juncture. Lawmakers must decide whether they wish to be remembered as guardians of democracy or as architects of needless instability.

The choice they make today will define how history judges them tomorrow.

Signed:

Bapakaye Ijuma

Coordinator, Niger Delta Watch Dogs