Impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, have sparked a significant political crisis, drawing condemnation from elders and a firm reaffirmation from the state's House of Assembly. The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum, led by former Deputy Governor Gabriel Toby, has vehemently condemned the impeachment notice, stressing that such a serious constitutional process should not be misused for political purposes.

The Forum highlighted that the reasons cited for the impeachment notice were “disturbingly weak, lacking substance, public interest justification, or constitutional weight,” suggesting they are driven by personal interests rather than genuine concern for good governance. The elders reminded the Rivers State House of Assembly that the Governor's mandate originates from the people and can only be challenged through strict adherence to constitutional provisions and due process. They further warned that the ongoing process risks deepening political divisions, eroding public trust, and destabilizing an already fragile polity, especially as the state is still recovering from past political disruptions. The Forum called for the immediate withdrawal of the impeachment notice, urging lawmakers to prioritize the collective interest, peace, and progress of Rivers State above personal considerations, reaffirming their commitment to stability and constitutional democracy.

Conversely, the Rivers State House of Assembly has asserted that the impeachment process is firmly on course. Following reports claiming the suspension of the proceedings, Enemi George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, issued a statement to clarify the Assembly's position. George confirmed that notices of gross misconduct, signed by 26 members of the house, have been forwarded to Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu, and their responses are currently awaited. He dismissed reports of suspension as