The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) has criticized the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, warning lawmakers not to misinterpret the calm disposition of Rivers people as weakness.
The organisation cautioned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly against any attempt to pressure or intimidate the governor and his deputy into taking decisions that conflict with the wishes of the electorate.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the Chancellor of ISSJHR, Omenazu Jackson, described the impeachment move as anti-democratic, constitutionally dangerous, and an abuse of legislative authority.
Jackson emphasized that impeachment is a constitutional mechanism, not a political tool, and must strictly comply with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He noted that the process requires clearly established allegations of gross misconduct, adherence to due process, fair hearing, legislative quorum, and a judicial panel investigation.
“Any impeachment process that fails to comply fully with these constitutional requirements is null, void, and unconstitutional,” he stated.
He further referenced Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Constitution, which outline the separation of powers, stressing that no arm of government has the authority to dominate or coerce another.
“The legislature cannot lawfully intimidate or compel the executive to abandon its constitutional mandate or policy direction outside the boundaries of the law,” Jackson said.
The ISSJHR urged both the executive and legislative arms to exercise restraint and uphold constitutional provisions, noting that cooperation between the two is vital for peace, stability, and development in Rivers State.
Reaffirming its support for constitutional governance, the group warned that Governor Fubara must not be forced into acting against the collective will of the people, adding that any such move would face lawful resistance.
“The mandate of the governor is derived directly from the electorate and cannot be subverted through intimidation or coercion,” Jackson said.
According to the organisation, any impeachment process that disregards the genuine will of the people amounts to an attack on democratic legitimacy and popular sovereignty.
ISSJHR also cautioned political actors it described as crisis merchants and constitutional saboteurs to desist from actions capable of destabilizing the state.
“They must recognize that Rivers people will lawfully resist any ill-conceived, vindictive, and illegitimate attempt to undermine their democratic mandate,” Jackson warned.
He concluded that any effort to remove the governor outside the clear provisions of the Constitution would be firmly resisted through all lawful and democratic means available under Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
