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The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum have strongly criticized the impeachment attempts against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, deeming the move "unacceptable" and calling for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political turmoil in the oil-rich state. 

In a statement issued after an emergency meeting on Sunday, the Forum expressed discontent with recent political events in Rivers State, particularly condemning the impeachment bid on Governor Fubara

The Forum expressed dismay at the reported assault on Governor Fubara by police operatives, the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly Chambers, and other acts of lawlessness posing threats to peace and security in the state.

The released statement read, in part, "The attempt to impeach the Governor of Rivers State barely about six months in office without explaining to the good people of the State the reasons and infractions of law are unacceptable. The Forum reviewed the embarrassing and dangerous ongoing happenings in Rvers State and, by extension, Nigeria..."

Former Governor Rufus Ada-George and His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe were among the signatories of the communique. The Forum also urged prompt action in rebuilding the demolished House of Assembly Complex to ensure lawmakers can resume legislative duties promptly.

Efforts to mediate between Governor Fubara and Chief Nyesom Wike reportedly failed, and the Forum sought intervention from President Bola Tinubu to address the unrest in the state. The Forum also rejected claims circulating on social media regarding the procurement of legal instruments outside Rivers State to instigate a crisis.

Addressing an alleged court ruling anticipated to prevent the declaration of seats as vacant, allowing for the purported illegal impeachment of Governor Fubara, the leaders' statement said, "An alleged already written/premeditated court ruling by one Justice Donatus Okorowo of Federal High Court 8 Abuja on an ex parte application secretly filled in the night by pro-Wike former lawmakers..."

Recent political shifts saw 27 members of the Rivers State Assembly defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the PDP maintains that the defected lawmakers' seats are now vacant.

Governor Fubara proceeded with presenting the 2024 budget to other house members despite the defections, conducting the ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt before signing it into law.