Diaspora Professionals Back Fubara, Warn Against Impeachment

A coalition of Nigerian professionals based abroad has publicly thrown its weight behind Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, warning that renewed impeachment efforts against the administration pose a serious threat to democratic stability in the state.

In a statement released on Monday, the group described the impeachment moves being discussed in the Rivers State House of Assembly as politically motivated rather than constitutionally grounded. According to the professionals, the actions reflect a deeper power struggle linked to lingering political tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now a senior federal government official.

The group argued that impeachment, which is meant to be an exceptional constitutional safeguard, is being reduced to a recurring political tactic. They warned that such a pattern undermines the credibility of democratic institutions and weakens the separation of powers, especially when legislative authority appears driven by factional interests.

They further noted that the political crisis in Rivers State escalated shortly after the current governor assumed office, following the collapse of alliances that brought the administration to power. Since then, they claimed, legislative decisions have increasingly reflected loyalty to external political forces rather than the will of the electorate.

Beyond the political implications, the diaspora professionals expressed concern about the economic consequences of prolonged instability. Rivers State, they noted, plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economy, and continuous political uncertainty could discourage investment, disrupt governance, and erode public confidence.

Defending the governor’s conduct, the group maintained that political independence, policy disagreements, or realignments do not amount to gross misconduct under the constitution. They stressed that asserting constitutional authority should not be misconstrued as insubordination or grounds for removal from office.

The group also warned that frequent impeachment threats set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy, where elected leaders could face constant legislative pressure that weakens electoral mandates.

They called on political leaders, lawmakers, and the judiciary to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue, and uphold constitutional principles, urging the Rivers State House of Assembly to avoid actions that could further destabilize the state.

According to the group, Rivers State requires focused governance and political maturity, not continuous power struggles that distract from development and public service.