Nigerian professionals in the diaspora have declared support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, warning that renewed impeachment efforts against them pose a threat to democratic stability in the state.

In an e-statement issued on Monday, the Nigerian Diaspora Professionals for Democratic Stability (NDPDS) described the latest impeachment moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly as politically motivated and rooted in a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The statement, signed by the group’s president, Dr Chukwudi Nnamani, and its secretary, Mr Adewale Ogunsiwaju, said the recurring impeachment threats amount to an abuse of legislative power and risk undermining constitutional governance.

“The impeachment threats against Governor Fubara have become cyclical, predictable and politically motivated,” the group said, adding that the process had drifted from constitutional accountability to “a tool of supremacy rather than a last-resort constitutional remedy.”

NDPDS argued that the crisis in Rivers State stemmed from the breakdown of the political relationship between Fubara and Wike shortly after the governor assumed office, noting that the House of Assembly had since become deeply polarised.

“It is impossible to ignore the context. Legislative actions have reflected allegiance to external political authority rather than the electorate,” the group said, warning that no democracy should tolerate “perpetual threats of removal” against an elected governor.

The diaspora professionals cautioned that continued impeachment attempts could destabilise governance, discourage investment and weaken institutions in Rivers State, which they described as critical to Nigeria’s economic survival.

“Rivers State is not a playground for political brinkmanship. Governance cannot be held hostage to unresolved elite power struggles,” the statement said.

Defending Fubara’s conduct in office, the group said political disagreements or realignments did not amount to gross misconduct under the constitution.

“Disagreement is not a crime. Independence is not misconduct,” it added, stressing that the high threshold for impeachment was designed to prevent legislative overreach.

NDPDS called on political leaders, the judiciary and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue, urging the Rivers Assembly to respect the governor’s mandate and avoid actions that could plunge the state into deeper crisis.

Vanguard News