ISSJHR Warns Rivers Lawmakers Against Impeachment Plot, Says Fubara Not Weak

The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) has strongly condemned the commencement of impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, warning lawmakers not to mistake the patience of Rivers people for weakness.

In a statement issued on Friday 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 powers.

Jackson cautioned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly against any attempt to coerce, intimidate or blackmail the governor and his deputy into taking actions contrary to the will and interest of the electorate.

According to him, impeachment is not a political weapon to be deployed at will, but a serious constitutional process strictly governed by law, particularly Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The Constitution requires clear and specific allegations of gross misconduct, strict adherence to due process, fair hearing, legislative quorum, judicial panel investigation and total procedural compliance. Any deviation from these requirements renders such impeachment null, void and unconstitutional,” he said.

The ISSJHR chancellor further referenced 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, intimidate or coerce another.

“The Legislature cannot lawfully harass or intimidate the Executive into surrendering its constitutional mandate or altering its policy direction outside the confines of the law,” Jackson stated.

He urged both the Executive and the Legislature to exercise restraint and demonstrate fidelity to the Constitution, noting that harmony between both arms of government is essential for good governance, peace and sustainable development in the state.

While reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to constitutional order and democratic principles, Jackson warned that Governor Fubara must not be pressured into acting against the collective interest and mandate of the Rivers electorate.

“The Governor of Rivers State cannot be coerced or intimidated into acting against the overall interest of the people, as his mandate flows directly from them,” he said.

Jackson added that any impeachment effort divorced from the genuine will of the people amounts to an assault on popular sovereignty and democratic legitimacy.

ISSJHR also cautioned what it described as crisis merchants, political opportunists and constitutional saboteurs to desist from actions capable of plunging Rivers State into political instability.

“They must be mindful of the lawful resistance of an electorate whose socioeconomic existence is threatened by this ill-conceived, vindictive and illegitimate impeachment attempt,” he warned.

He concluded by stressing that any attempt to remove the governor or his deputy outside the clear provisions of the Constitution would be “stoutly and lawfully resisted by the people using all democratic and legal means available within the Nigerian constitutional framework.”