HURIWA warns against impeachment plot in Rivers, urges FCT minister to act as a Statesman

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong warning against any attempt to impeach Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing such a move as a futile and dangerous ploy that would ultimately fail.

The rights group cautioned that Governor Fubara was democratically elected by the majority of Rivers people and that any plot to remove him through unconstitutional means would be met with stiff resistance from the people.

HURIWA specifically admonished the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against instigating the 27 lawmakers loyal to him in the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate an impeachment process against Governor Fubara. The group emphasized that under conditions of political instability, it is the people who suffer the most, as governance is disrupted and critical development projects are stalled.

The rights group noted that Wike, having served as Rivers State governor for eight years, should be playing the role of a statesman rather than engaging in divisive and destabilizing political manoeuvres. “The FCT Minister should see himself as a national leader, a unifier, and not a divider. It does not befit his current status as a senior cabinet member in the government of President Bola Tinubu to be at the centre of an intra-state political crisis. History will not be kind to him if he encourages his loyalists in the Rivers State House of Assembly to attempt an impeachment that could plunge the state into prolonged political instability,” HURIWA stated.

The association reminded Wike that Rivers State is bigger than any individual and that all political actors must put the state’s interests first. It argued that peace, stability, security, and good governance should be the priority of all parties involved in the current political debacle rather than personal or factional interests. “We urge all political gladiators to place Rivers State first and refrain from actions that could elevate personal ambitions above the collective interests of the people,” the group added.

HURIWA further warned the security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS), to remain neutral in the political crisis and not allow themselves to be used as tools in any unconstitutional attempt to remove the governor. “The security forces have a constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order without taking sides in political disputes. We caution against any situation where federal security agencies are seen as partisan players in Rivers’ political crisis,” the statement read.

The rights group also condemned the recent allegations of age falsification levelled against the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, describing them as a desperate attempt to destabilize the state’s judiciary for political gain.

It expressed shock that the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike would go to the extent of attempting to undermine the integrity of the judiciary just to achieve their political objectives. “The judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and any attempt to drag it into partisan politics should be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians,” HURIWA stated.

The association recalled that the Rivers State political crisis escalated following the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move triggered a legal and political standoff, with Governor Fubara maintaining that the defected lawmakers had lost their seats under constitutional provisions. Despite this, the lawmakers have continued to claim legitimacy, setting the stage for a prolonged confrontation.

HURIWA stressed that the Supreme Court’s contradictory stance on legislative defections has further complicated the crisis. It cited past rulings, such as the case of Hon. Michael Dapianlong & Ors v. Chief (Dr) Joshua Chibi Dariye & Anor, where the Supreme Court held that defected lawmakers lose their seats and cannot partake in legislative functions until by-elections are conducted.

The group questioned why the same principle was not applied in Rivers State, where the defected lawmakers continue to exercise legislative functions despite their legitimacy being contested.

The rights group emphasized that any impeachment attempt would not only fail but would also worsen the political tension in the state, potentially leading to security challenges. “An impeachment attempt against a sitting governor, especially under such a contentious atmosphere, is a recipe for chaos. It could lead to violent protests, economic stagnation, and anarchy. The people of Rivers State deserve peace and stability, not political turmoil,” HURIWA warned.

HURIWA called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that political actors in Rivers State uphold democratic principles. It urged the president to call his cabinet member, Wike, to order and remind him of his national responsibilities rather than allowing him to continue stoking the political crisis in his home state. “The President must take a firm stand in ensuring that the crisis in Rivers State does not escalate further. He must caution his appointees and other political actors against actions that could destabilize the state,” the group stated.

In conclusion, HURIWA reaffirmed its position that Rivers State must remain stable, and any attempts to remove Governor Fubara through illegal means would be strongly resisted.

It urged all political actors to embrace dialogue and lawful processes in resolving disputes rather than resorting to political brinkmanship. The group also called on the people of Rivers State to remain vigilant and not allow external forces to derail the progress of the state.

“As a civil rights organization committed to the promotion of democracy and good governance, we will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary actions to ensure that democracy is not subverted in Rivers State,” HURIWA concluded.