RIVERS PEOPLE ARE THE REAL VICTIMS: SELFISH POLITICS AND ENDLESS POWER STRUGGLES ARE KILLING GOVERNANCE
….The people are not pawns
The political tension in Rivers State has taken a troubling and dangerous turn following reports that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have formally initiated impeachment proceedings against the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Oduh.
According to reports, the impeachment process was initiated during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, where the Majority Leader read out notices of allegations and claims of gross misconduct against the Governor. Twenty-six lawmakers reportedly endorsed the notice, with assurances that it would be served on the Governor within seven days, in line with legislative procedures. A similar notice was also read against the Deputy Governor, thereby widening the scope of the crisis.
While impeachment remains a constitutional process, the timing, frequency, and context of these actions raise deep concerns that go beyond routine legislative oversight. What is unfolding increasingly appears less about accountability and more about personal interests, power struggles, and a troubling disregard for the collective will and welfare of the people of Rivers State.
At the heart of this crisis are not politicians, but the ordinary people: traders, civil servants, youths, artisans, and families who bear the greatest burden whenever political tension escalates. Continuous fighting and endless politicking disrupt governance, stall development, and divert attention from service delivery. When leaders are consumed by power struggles, policies suffer, projects stall, and the people ultimately pay the price.
Rivers State is richly blessed, a land abundant in human and natural resources, often described as flowing with milk and honey. Sadly, these blessings are being endangered by political selfishness, godfatherism, and persistent disrespect for the people whose mandate confers legitimacy on leadership. History reminds us that when brothers fight endlessly, it is outsiders who ultimately inherit what belongs to the family. Rivers State must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.
It is important to recall that Governor Siminalayi Fubara was previously subjected to a controversial six-month suspension, during which he was prevented from performing his constitutional duties while an interim authority assumed governance. Even more troubling was the fact that judicial intervention could not meaningfully address the matter before the suspension elapsed. This episode set a dangerous precedent, one that weakens constitutional order and sends a chilling message about the security of the electoral mandate.
Now that the Governor has returned to office, the renewed push for impeachment sends an unsettling signal: that elected leaders can be repeatedly undermined, regardless of the will of the people. Nigeria must not normalize a system where those chosen through democratic elections are treated as expendable. Such practices erode public trust, deepen political apathy, and discourage capable citizens from participating in governance.
Finally, Nigeria must urgently confront and dismantle the culture of godfatherism, political intimidation, and elite impunity. Our democracy can only mature when the ballot is respected and the will of the people is upheld. Any system that trivializes electoral mandates lays a fragile foundation for future generations.
Rivers State deserves peace.
Rivers people deserve development.
Nigeria deserves a democracy that truly works.
Oluchi Oparah
Fmr National Treasurer
Labour Party
08/01/26
