Is Democracy Under Threat in Rivers State? Pro-Democracy Group NDF Demands Recall of Lawmakers Over Impeachment Move Against Governor Fubara

Is the impeachment attempt against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara a genuine constitutional process—or a politically driven effort that could destabilize the state? The Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF) has strongly condemned the move by some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach the governor and his deputy, describing it as anti-democratic, self-serving, and dangerous to political stability.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the pro-democracy group accused the lawmakers behind the impeachment proceedings of abandoning the interests of their constituents in favour of what it called personal political loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. According to the NDF, the action represents a “shameful display of political thuggery” rather than a lawful attempt to uphold accountability.

The group went further to call on political stakeholders within Rivers State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to initiate a recall process against the lawmakers involved, arguing that their conduct shows they no longer represent the will of the people. “Their action clearly shows that they no longer represent their constituents but their political paymaster,” the statement declared.

The NDF also alleged that the impeachment move is part of a broader attempt to plunge the oil-rich state into prolonged political instability for personal and factional gain. It urged residents of Rivers State to resist what it described as the politics of godfatherism, greed, and elite control, insisting that such practices undermine democratic governance and development.

Expressing firm support for Governor Fubara, the group called on him to remain resolute and unyielding in the face of political pressure, asserting that the governor enjoys widespread public backing. “Rivers State is ready for people-oriented development, not Wike-oriented destruction,” the NDF said, maintaining that the current administration should not be intimidated by forces seeking to derail governance through legislative conflict.

In a direct appeal to the federal government, the group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by calling the FCT minister to order, warning that failure to do so could deepen political tensions and erode democratic stability in the state.

As of the time of reporting, neither the Rivers State House of Assembly nor the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had responded to the allegations.

The unfolding crisis raises pressing questions: Is the impeachment move truly about accountability or about political control? Will Rivers lawmakers face recall from their constituents? And can democratic institutions withstand the growing influence of political godfatherism in Nigeria’s state politics?

Is Democracy Under Threat in Rivers State? Pro-Democracy Group NDF Demands Recall of Lawmakers Over Impeachment Move Against Governor Fubara Is the impeachment attempt against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara a genuine constitutional process—or a politically driven effort that could destabilize the state? The Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF) has strongly condemned the move by some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach the governor and his deputy, describing it as anti-democratic, self-serving, and dangerous to political stability. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the pro-democracy group accused the lawmakers behind the impeachment proceedings of abandoning the interests of their constituents in favour of what it called personal political loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. According to the NDF, the action represents a “shameful display of political thuggery” rather than a lawful attempt to uphold accountability. The group went further to call on political stakeholders within Rivers State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to initiate a recall process against the lawmakers involved, arguing that their conduct shows they no longer represent the will of the people. “Their action clearly shows that they no longer represent their constituents but their political paymaster,” the statement declared. The NDF also alleged that the impeachment move is part of a broader attempt to plunge the oil-rich state into prolonged political instability for personal and factional gain. It urged residents of Rivers State to resist what it described as the politics of godfatherism, greed, and elite control, insisting that such practices undermine democratic governance and development. Expressing firm support for Governor Fubara, the group called on him to remain resolute and unyielding in the face of political pressure, asserting that the governor enjoys widespread public backing. “Rivers State is ready for people-oriented development, not Wike-oriented destruction,” the NDF said, maintaining that the current administration should not be intimidated by forces seeking to derail governance through legislative conflict. In a direct appeal to the federal government, the group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by calling the FCT minister to order, warning that failure to do so could deepen political tensions and erode democratic stability in the state. As of the time of reporting, neither the Rivers State House of Assembly nor the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had responded to the allegations. The unfolding crisis raises pressing questions: Is the impeachment move truly about accountability or about political control? Will Rivers lawmakers face recall from their constituents? And can democratic institutions withstand the growing influence of political godfatherism in Nigeria’s state politics?
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