The people are not pawns.
The political tension in Rivers State has taken a disturbing and dangerous turn following reports that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have initiated impeachment proceedings against the Executive Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Oduh.
According to available information, the impeachment process was commenced during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, where the Majority Leader read notices alleging gross misconduct against the Governor. Twenty-six lawmakers reportedly endorsed the notice, with assurances that it would be formally served on the Governor within seven days in line with constitutional procedure. A similar notice was also read against the Deputy Governor, further deepening the crisis.
While impeachment is a legitimate constitutional mechanism, the timing, frequency, and surrounding circumstances of these actions raise serious concerns. What is unfolding appears less about accountability and more about personal interests, power struggles, and a troubling disregard for the collective welfare of the people of Rivers State.
The true victims of this political standoff are not the politicians, but ordinary citizens—traders, civil servants, youths, artisans, and families—who suffer whenever political instability escalates. Prolonged political battles disrupt governance, stall development, and divert attention from service delivery. When leaders are consumed by internal conflicts, policies fail, projects are abandoned, and the people ultimately bear the cost.
Rivers State is richly endowed with human and natural resources, often described as a land of immense promise. Sadly, these blessings are being jeopardized by political selfishness, godfatherism, and persistent disrespect for the electorate whose mandate confers legitimacy on leadership. History teaches that when brothers fight endlessly, outsiders inherit the household. Rivers State must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.
It is also important to recall that Governor Siminalayi Fubara was previously subjected to a controversial six-month suspension, during which he was prevented from performing his constitutional duties while an interim authority assumed governance. More troubling was the inability of judicial intervention to resolve the matter before the suspension elapsed. This episode set a dangerous precedent, weakening constitutional order and undermining the sanctity of electoral mandates.
Now that the Governor has returned to office, the renewed push for impeachment sends an unsettling message—that elected leaders can be repeatedly destabilized, regardless of the will of the people. Nigeria must not normalize a system where democratic mandates are treated as disposable. Such practices erode public trust, deepen political apathy, and discourage capable citizens from participating in governance.
Nigeria must urgently confront and dismantle the entrenched culture of godfatherism, political intimidation, and elite impunity. Our democracy can only mature when the ballot is respected and the will of the people is upheld. Any system that trivializes electoral mandates lays a fragile foundation for future generations.
Rivers State deserves peace.
Rivers people deserve development.
Nigeria deserves a democracy that truly works.
Oluchi Oparah
Former National Treasurer
Labour Party
Rivers People Are the Real Victims: Selfish Politics, Endless Power Struggles Are Undermining Governance
