The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has strongly condemned the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing the move as unconstitutional, politically motivated, and dangerous to democratic governance.
In a press release issued in Abuja, FENRAD said the impeachment attempt represents an abuse of legislative authority and a deliberate distortion of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The group warned that impeachment should never be used as a political weapon or a tool for partisan retaliation.
According to FENRAD, Section 188 of the Constitution provides a strict, sequential, and transparent procedure for impeachment, intended solely to address proven cases of “gross misconduct.”
The organization stressed that the Constitution clearly defines gross misconduct as a grave violation of constitutional provisions, not political disagreements or power struggles.
FENRAD expressed deep concern that the ongoing impeachment process appears to disregard constitutional safeguards such as due process, fairness, and accountability. The group noted that any impeachment effort lacking clear, publicly verifiable allegations, and driven primarily by political hostility, undermines the rule of law and weakens democratic institutions.
The rights advocacy organization further cited Section 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, which affirms that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria. According to FENRAD, attempts to remove a democratically elected governor through politically orchestrated means amount to an attack on the will of the people of Rivers State, who elected Governor Fubara through the ballot.
FENRAD also referenced Section 5(2) of the Constitution, which vests executive powers of a state in the governor, warning that legislative actions aimed at destabilizing the executive without constitutional justification threaten the principle of separation of powers and the democratic balance envisioned by the Constitution.
The organization called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to immediately halt the impeachment proceedings and strictly comply with the provisions of Section 188. It also urged the judiciary and relevant national institutions to remain vigilant in defending constitutionalism and democratic governance.
FENRAD cautioned political actors against actions that could plunge Rivers State into an avoidable political crisis, calling for restraint, dialogue, and respect for constitutional order.
Reaffirming its commitment to democracy, rule of law, and good governance, FENRAD said it stands in solidarity with the people of Rivers State and warned that democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political ambition.
The statement was signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD, and Barrister Femisi Akande, Head of Human Rights Enforcement and Litigation.
