Nigerian professionals in the diaspora have thrown their weight behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, warning that renewed impeachment proceedings against the duo could destabilise democratic governance in the oil-rich state.
Naijaonpoint reports that the professionals, operating under the banner of the Nigerian Diaspora Professionals for Democratic Stability (NDPDS), made their position known in an e-statement issued on Monday.
The group said the impeachment moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly were rooted in a prolonged political 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, described the impeachment process as an abuse of legislative powers.
“The impeachment threats against Governor Fubara have become cyclical, predictable and politically motivated. This is no longer about oversight or constitutional accountability; it is about who controls Rivers State’s political structure and resources,” the statement read.
The diaspora professionals noted that the political crisis in Rivers State began shortly after Fubara assumed office, following the breakdown of his relationship with Wike.
“It is impossible to ignore the context. The House of Assembly has been deeply polarised, with legislative actions reflecting allegiance to external political authority rather than the electorate,” the group said.
It added that no democracy should tolerate a situation where a sitting governor faces continuous threats of removal for refusing to submit to political godfathers.
NDPDS warned that repeated impeachment attempts could undermine governance, scare away investors and deepen institutional instability in a state critical to Nigeria’s economic survival.
“Rivers State is not a playground for political brinkmanship. It is a strategic economic nerve centre, and governance cannot be held hostage to unresolved elite power struggles,” the group said.
Defending the governor’s conduct, the group argued that political differences or policy disagreements do not meet the constitutional threshold of gross misconduct.
“Disagreement is not a crime. Independence is not misconduct. A governor asserting constitutional authority should not be treated as a rebel,” the statement noted.
It stressed that impeachment was deliberately designed as a last-resort constitutional remedy to prevent legislative overreach.
The diaspora group said it was closely monitoring developments in Rivers State, warning that repeated impeachment plots erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“When impeachment becomes routine rather than exceptional, democracy is weakened,” the statement said, urging political leaders and stakeholders to embrace dialogue and constitutional restraint.
“The mandate of the people must be respected. Rivers State deserves governance, not perpetual political warfare,” the group added.