23/01/2026
The Coalition of One Million Professionals (COMP) hereby releases its press statement on the current situation in Rivers State.
PRESS STATEMENT: THE ONE MILLION PROFESSIONALS FORUM
January 19, 2026
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
THEME: A Call for Constitutional Truce, Judicial Integrity, and the Protection of our N28 Trillion Economy
Distinguished Gentlemen of the Press, Fellow Citizens of Rivers State,
We, the One Million Professionals Forum, a multidisciplinary coalition of legal practitioners, economists, technocrats, and policy analysts, issue this statement as independent observers and stakeholders concerned with constitutional order, economic stability, and institutional integrity in Rivers State.
Our intervention is informed by a simple but critical reality: sustained economic growth cannot coexist with prolonged political instability. Recent legislative actions—marked by recurring impeachment threats and governance disruptions—have moved beyond ordinary political contestation and now pose material risks to the state’s economy and investor confidence.
The Economic and Social Burden of Political Instability
Rivers State is Nigeria’s hub of Oil and Gas, with an estimated GDP of N28 trillion. However, this engine is being deliberately stalled. Today, Nigeria has deployed about 69 rigs for oil explorations from a paltry 15 Rigs 2 years ago with Rivers State accounting for 40% and support Logistics operation for most of the other Rigs in operations.
The Political instability is dovetailing to the following:
- Capital Flight and Stagnation: The threat of impeachment has sent shockwaves through the investment community. Analysts estimate that political instability in Rivers State causes a loss of nearly 30% of potential growth annually—wiping out billions in public and private sector investments.
- The Stalled N1.85 Trillion "Budget of Resilience": By prioritizing impeachment over the deliberation of the 2026 Budget, the Assembly is holding the state's recovery hostage. This budget is designed to fund healthcare, education, and human capital; every day it is delayed, a child goes without a desk and a hospital goes without medicine.
- The Social Cost: Rivers people did not vote for a permanent state of crisis. This is not the "payback" our citizens expected for electing their representatives. Instead of legislative synergy, the people are being served a "social burden" of increased tension, uncertainty, and a lack of focus on the very issues—jobs and security—that affect their daily lives.
Public Accountability and Fiduciary Responsibility
Concerns have also entered public discourse regarding the disbursement of approximately ₦10.5 billion in constituency project funds—averaging about ₦350 million per legislator—released in September 2025. Reports suggesting limited ex*****on of some projects highlight a governance contradiction. Members of the House of Assembly are not only lawmakers, they are fiduciaries and trustees of the people’s mandate. This fiduciary responsibility requires:
- Continuous engagement with constituents,
- Transparent use of public funds,
- Prioritization of constituency development.
Crucially, impeachment is not a constitutional contemplation but a routine legislative tool. As representatives acting in trust for the electorate, Assembly members have a moral and representative duty to consult their constituents before embarking on a process as consequential as impeachment. The absence of broad-based consultation undermines the democratic legitimacy of such proceedings.
Furthermore, given that the Assembly leadership, the Governor, and the Deputy Governor are members of the same political party, the failure to explore internal party dispute-resolution mechanisms at state or national levels before invoking impeachment reflects a lack of proportionality and institutional restraint.
Performance Context and Governance Continuity
Following previous administrative disruptions, the Executive arm has continued to implement infrastructure and service-delivery projects across multiple local government areas. Governor Siminalayi Fubara has demonstrated an unmatched focus on the state's development.
- Post-Suspension Resilience: Following his return to office, the Governor transitioned seamlessly into a high-impact developmental phase.
- 10 Landmark Projects: Between December 10 and December 23, 2025, the Governor successfully commissioned 10 major infrastructural projects across multiple LGAs, including the dualized Ahoada-Omoku road, the Egbeda-Omerelu link road, and the Ahoada Zonal Hospital.
- Public Satisfaction: These projects are economic lifelines. We affirm that the people are satisfied. The mandate given to this administration is being honored through tangible high-quality profile.
Constitutional and Procedural Concerns
Our legal subcommittee respectfully highlights the following constitutional and procedural considerations that, in our view, merits careful reflection in the ongoing impeachment process. They are as follows:
1. Service of Notice under Section 188(2): The Constitution requires that a notice of impeachment be properly served to the Governor and Deputy Governor. At present, there appears to be uncertainty as to whether personal service has been effected. Resorting to newspaper publication as a form of substituted service ordinarily requires prior judicial authorization, and clarification. This point would strengthen the procedural integrity of the process.
2. Observance of the Right of Reply under Section 188(3): Section 188(3) guarantees the Governor a 14-day period to respond to any allegations. Strict observance of this timeframe is essential to uphold the principles of fair hearing and natural justice that underpin constitutional governance.
3. Impeachment as a Measure of Last Resort: Impeachment was designed as an exceptional accountability mechanism, to be invoked only after other lawful and constructive options have been exhausted. A cautious and restrained approach is consistent with the spirit of the Constitution as it promotes institutional stability.
4. Fiduciary and Representative Responsibility: Members of the House of Assembly act in a fiduciary and representative capacity on behalf of their constituents. On matters of profound public consequence such as impeachment, broader engagement with constituents and stakeholders can enhance democratic legitimacy. In addition, where all principal actors belong to the same political party, the exploration of internal party dispute-resolution mechanisms at state or national levels may offer a less disruptive path to resolving disagreements.
5. Application of Section 122 of the Constitution: Section 122 permits the Governor to authorize expenditure for essential services for up to six months in the absence of an appropriation law. Any assessment of alleged financial impropriety should be carefully situated within this constitutional framework to avoid misinterpretation.
6. Allegations Relating to the Assembly Complex: Allegations concerning the Assembly complex would benefit from prior determination by an independent investigative or judicial body. Such findings provide an objective foundation for legislative conclusions, as well as help in reinforcing public confidence in due process. It is also relevant that a new, modern Assembly complex has since been completed for legislative use.
The Call for a Truce and Judicial Integrity
We demand an immediate truce between the Legislative arm, the Executive Governor and Deputy Governor.
A call to the House of Assembly: We call on the Rivers State House of Assembly to exercise its constitutional powers with restraint, proportionality, and full respect for due process. As trustees of the people’s mandate, members have a fiduciary duty to prioritize public interest, stability, and effective lawmaking over escalation, including maintaining focus on budgetary and constituency responsibilities.
We urge the House to embrace dialogue, consultation, and reconciliation as constructive pathways that preserve institutional dignity, democratic legitimacy, and the long-term economic and social well-being of Rivers State.
A Call to the Chief Judge of Rivers State
We acknowledge the Chief Judge’s demonstrated commitment to judicial integrity, restraint, and adherence to constitutional boundaries, particularly in the face of institutional pressures. As the arrow-head of the Judiciary in the State we are assured of your demonstration of a very high sense of integrity. We note the subsisting interim order of the Rivers State High Court issued in Oyigbo on January 16, 2026, which restrained further actions in the matter. In the interest of constitutional order and public confidence in the judiciary, we respectfully urge that all actions remain strictly guided by existing court orders and established judicial procedures.
A Call to His Excellency
To His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara: We acknowledge your calm leadership amid ongoing institutional challenges. As Governor, you carry the constitutional responsibility of preserving peace, stability, and good governance in Rivers State. We respectfully encourage Your Excellency to continue exploring every lawful avenue for dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation, in keeping with your expressed commitment to inclusive and peaceful governance. History shows that enduring progress is best secured through cooperation, restraint, and mutual understanding. You may be assured that the goodwill of the people and the support of the professional community remain essential pillars of stability and development in the State.
Recommendations for Sustainable Governance
To prevent recurrence and restore stability, we recommend:
1. Legislative–Executive Liaison Mechanism: A formal liaison office or joint coordination committee to resolve administrative disagreements before they escalate.
2. Transparency and Public Communication: Regular, evidence-based public briefings on governance priorities, budgets, and project implementation.
3. Constituency Accountability Review: Periodic public reporting on constituency project ex*****on to strengthen legislative credibility.
Conclusion
Rivers State stands at a defining moment. Political stability, constitutional fidelity, and economic confidence are mutually reinforcing. Our position is not partisan; it is institutional and forward-looking. We will continue to observe developments and engage constructively, committed to lawful processes, democratic accountability, and the protection of Rivers State’s economic future.
Long live Rivers State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed,
Alabo Edwin Harcourt Wokoma, MCArb
Convener & National Coordinator
One Million Professionals Forum
