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Don’t Trivialize Impeachment: Showunmi Warns Fubara

Published

2 weeks ago

January 16, 2026

A political stakeholder and founder of the Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has cautioned against trivializing impeachment proceedings, warning that such actions could undermine democracy and governance in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

In a statement titled “Impeachment Must Not Be Trivialized,” Showunmi described impeachment as one of the most serious powers vested in a legislature, meant to protect democracy, uphold accountability, and preserve governance integrity.

“Impeachment is not a political weapon to be deployed lightly, nor is it a tool for settling personal or factional scores. It is a grave constitutional process… Any attempt to trivialize it does a disservice not only to the individual involved, but to the state and the democratic system itself,” Showunmi said.

He warned that political tensions often amplify voices of mischief and personal ambition, which could escalate conflicts if leaders heed them.

“History has shown that leaders who surround themselves with such voices often find themselves making decisions that escalate conflict rather than resolve it,” he added.

Showunmi urged the Rivers State Governor to rise above “noise, provocation, and short‑term political calculations” and act responsibly for the people of the state.

He cautioned that allowing the process to degenerate into a crisis could have “grave public relations consequences not only for Rivers State, but for the entire country.”

He further stressed that leadership demands humility and restraint.

“Arrogance will only make matters worse, and there is a limit to playing the victim card,” he said, adding that impeachment, where warranted, must follow due process and constitutional provisions.

Showunmi called for dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and adherence to democratic norms, urging the governor to seek counsel from voices of reason.

“Democracy is strengthened not when power is aggressively defended at all costs, but when leaders demonstrate restraint, wisdom, and respect for institutions,” he concluded.

Amid the political wrangling, civil‑society groups and elder statesmen are also calling for restraint.

The Good Governance Advocacy Centre labeled the impeachment effort a “political witch‑hunt” lacking constitutional grounds, urging dialogue to prevent further instability in the oil‑rich state.