The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, ISSJHR, has condemned the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, cautioning lawmakers against interpreting the patience of the people as a sign of weakness.
The group warned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly against any attempt to coerce or intimidate the governor and his deputy into taking actions that run contrary to the interests and mandate of the electorate.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the Chancellor of the organisation, Omenazu Jackson, described the impeachment move as anti-democratic, constitutionally reckless, and a blatant abuse of legislative authority.
Jackson emphasised that impeachment is not a political tool but a constitutional process strictly governed by law.
He referenced Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires clearly established allegations of gross misconduct supported by due process.
According to him, “The Constitution demands specific allegations of gross misconduct, adherence to due process, the right to fair hearing, the presence of legislative quorum, investigation by a judicial panel, and strict procedural compliance.
Any departure from these requirements renders such an impeachment null, void, and unconstitutional.”
He further cited Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Constitution, which enshrine the doctrine of separation of powers, stressing that no arm of government is permitted to dominate, harass, or coerce another.
The Legislature cannot lawfully intimidate or pressure the Executive into relinquishing its constitutional mandate or policy direction outside the boundaries of the law,” Jackson stated.
He called on both the Executive and Legislative arms to exercise restraint and remain faithful to constitutional principles, noting that harmony between the two arms of government is essential for peace, stability, and sustainable development.
While reaffirming ISSJHR’s support for constitutional order, Jackson warned that the governor must not be forced or intimidated into acting against the will of the people, stressing that any such action would face legal resistance.
The mandate of the Governor of Rivers State derives directly from the people, and he cannot be compelled to act against their overall interest,” he said.
Jackson maintained that any impeachment process divorced from the genuine will of the electorate constitutes an attack on popular sovereignty and democratic legitimacy.
The organisation therefore cautioned against what it described as crisis merchants, political opportunists, and constitutional saboteurs to refrain from actions capable of throwing Rivers State into instability.
They must be mindful of the lawful resistance of an electorate whose socioeconomic wellbeing is threatened by this ill-conceived, vindictive, and illegitimate impeachment attempt,” he warned.
He warned that any attempt to remove the governor outside the clear provisions of the Constitution would be “firmly and lawfully resisted by the people using all democratic and legal means available within the Nigerian constitutional framework.”
