The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) has 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 the people for weakness.
The group cautioned 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 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 clear abuse of legislative powers.
Jackson stressed that impeachment is not a political weapon but a constitutional process strictly guided by law, particularly Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires proven allegations of gross misconduct and full compliance with due process.
“The Constitution requires clear allegations of gross misconduct, due process, fair hearing, legislative quorum, judicial panel investigation and strict procedural compliance. Any deviation renders such impeachment null, void and unconstitutional,” he said.
He also cited Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Constitution, which establish the doctrine of separation of powers, noting that no arm of government is permitted to dominate or coerce another.
“The legislature cannot lawfully intimidate or harass the executive into surrendering its constitutional mandate or policy direction outside the confines of the law,” Jackson added.
He urged both the executive and legislative arms of government to exercise restraint and remain faithful to constitutional provisions, emphasizing that harmony between the two is essential for good governance, peace and development in the state.
While reiterating support for constitutional order, Jackson warned that Governor Fubara must not be intimidated into acting against the will of the people, stressing that any such attempt would be legally resisted.
“The governor of Rivers State cannot be coerced or intimidated into acting against the overall interest of the electorate, as his mandate flows directly from the people,” he said.
According to ISSJHR, any impeachment effort disconnected from the genuine will of the people amounts to an assault on popular sovereignty and democratic legitimacy.
The group cautioned what it described as crisis merchants, political opportunists and constitutional saboteurs to desist from actions capable of plunging Rivers State into 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,” Jackson warned.
He concluded that any attempt to remove the governor outside the clear provisions of the Constitution would be stoutly and lawfully resisted by the people using all democratic and legal means available within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.