Politics

Fresh Impeachment Threat Against Rivers Governor Fubara: A Grave Insult to Democracy — Ugochinyere

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on January 10th, 2026.

The renewed threat of impeachment hanging over Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sparked fresh controversy, with strong warnings that the move could undermine democratic values and political stability in the state. Leading the criticism is Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a federal lawmaker and vocal advocate for democratic governance, who has described the latest impeachment plot as a “grave insult to democracy.”

According to Ugochinyere, the repeated attempts to impeach Governor Fubara reflect a dangerous pattern of political intimidation rather than a genuine constitutional process. He argued that impeachment, which is meant to serve as a lawful mechanism for addressing gross misconduct, is increasingly being weaponized to settle political scores and force elected leaders into submission.

Ugochinyere warned that such actions threaten the will of the people who freely elected Fubara to lead Rivers State. He emphasized that democracy thrives on respect for the rule of law, separation of powers, and the mandate of the electorate, not on coercion and backdoor schemes. Any attempt to remove a governor through questionable motives, he said, amounts to a direct assault on democratic principles.

The lawmaker also expressed concern over the impact of persistent political tension on governance in Rivers State. He noted that constant impeachment threats distract from governance, stall development efforts, and create an atmosphere of uncertainty that discourages investment and progress. According to him, leaders should be focused on delivering dividends of democracy rather than engaging in endless power struggles.

Ugochinyere further cautioned lawmakers involved in the impeachment plot to reflect on their constitutional responsibilities. He stressed that legislators are elected to represent the interests of the people, not to act as tools in political battles orchestrated by powerful interests. Misusing legislative authority, he said, erodes public trust in democratic institutions and weakens the credibility of the legislature.

Calling for restraint, Ugochinyere urged all political actors in Rivers State to prioritize dialogue, peace, and constitutional order. He appealed to stakeholders, including civil society groups and the judiciary, to remain vigilant and resist any actions that could destabilize the state or set a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.

He also reaffirmed that political disagreements are normal in a democratic system but must be resolved through lawful and transparent means. Resorting to impeachment threats as a pressure tactic, he argued, undermines democratic maturity and sends the wrong message to citizens, especially young people who are already disillusioned with politics.

In conclusion, Ugochinyere maintained that the fresh impeachment threat against Governor Fubara goes beyond Rivers State politics and raises broader concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democracy. He insisted that defending democratic norms is a collective responsibility and warned that allowing such actions to succeed could embolden similar tactics across the country. For democracy to endure, he said, the rule of law must prevail over political desperation.