Youths clash over Fubara’s impeachment proceedings

The Rivers State Youth Parliament (RSYP) and the South South Youths Initiative (SSYI) have disagreed over the ongoing move by the Rivers Assembly to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara 

The RSYP in a statement by its Speaker, Wisdom Bruce, declared support for the decision of the lawmakers to investigate Fubara on alleged gross misconduct.

The statement said: “This action, though long overdue, is both timely and necessary in the overriding interest of peace, stability, democratic governance, and the collective future of the people of Rivers State.

“Over an extended period, the state has witnessed persistent political tension, breakdown of trust among critical stakeholders, and repeated breaches of peace accords brokered severally by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other well-meaning national leaders. 

“These peace agreements were entered into in good faith, with the clear expectation that all parties would respect their terms in the spirit of reconciliation, unity, and responsible leadership. 

“Regrettably, these agreements have been consistently violated by the governor of Rivers state thereby undermining national efforts to restore calm and political stability in Rivers State.

“The Rivers State Youth Parliament views these repeated breaches as a grave affront to democratic norms, constitutional responsibility, and the authority of conflict-resolution mechanisms established to protect the peace and welfare of citizens.

” Leadership at all levels must be anchored on accountability, respect for dialogue, and adherence to agreements reached through lawful and inclusive processes. Where these principles are persistently disregarded, constitutional remedies must be pursued without fear or favour.

“We emphasise that impeachment, as provided for under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is not an act of vendetta but a legitimate democratic process designed to safeguard governance, uphold the rule of law, and protect the public interest. 

“The Rivers State Youth Parliament is particularly concerned about the long-term consequences of prolonged political crises, economic stagnation, loss of investor confidence, and shrinking opportunities for young citizens, lack of employment and others. Our generation bears the brunt of governance failures, and we therefore cannot remain silent when leadership actions continually threaten peace and development”.

But the South South Youths Initiative (SSYI) condemned the renewed impeachment proceedings against describing the move as ill-conceived and destabilising.

SSYI said youths across the South-South region, particularly in Rivers were deeply disturbed by the impeachment notice issued by the State House of Assembly.

The position of the group was contained in a statement by its National President,  Imeabe Saviour Oscar on Thursday. 

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Saviour said the action by the lawmakers was coming at a time when Rivers people expected cooperation between the executive and the legislature to restore effective governance after what it described as a six-month near collapse during the period of emergency rule.

He said: “Rivers youths are appalled that this is coming at a point when we are all expecting that the legislature would work closely with the governor to give Rivers State the desired governance that has been lacking since the return from Emergency Rule.  

“While other states are talking about governance, Rivers State is still playing politics despite coming out from a six-month near collapse of governance. This is most unfortunate. Even though we are aware that the country is about to enter a political season, this action by the Assembly is too sudden and ill-conceived.”

The group appealed to the lawmakers to work with the Governor to deliver good governance instead of distracting his administration and advised Fubara to remain focused despite what it described as political distractions.