‘No Grounds For Impeachment Against Fubara’

‘No Grounds For Impeachment Against Fubara’ – Civic Group
Impeachment described as politically motivated power struggle
Lawmakers urged to suspend process and pursue dialogue

An independent civic watchdog, the Good Governance Advocacy Centre has absolved Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of any misconduct capable of warranting his removal from office.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Thursday, the group described the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy as a political witch hunt driven by personal interests rather than constitutional violations.

The statement, signed by the organisation’s country representative, Zaccheus Ocha, said a 72 hour forensic review of the impeachment notice and related allegations revealed no evidence of gross misconduct.

According to the group, it conducted an exhaustive legal, procedural and factual analysis of the issues raised by the Rivers State House of Assembly and found them weak, speculative and politically motivated.

GGAC stated that the impeachment letter failed to meet the constitutional threshold required to initiate removal proceedings, noting that the allegations were either unsupported by verifiable facts or fell within the discretionary powers of the executive.

“The Good Governance Advocacy Centre has concluded, after a 72 hour independent review, that no act of gross misconduct has been established against Governor Siminalayi Fubara or his deputy,” the statement said.

“What is being presented as impeachment is, in substance, a political project aimed at personal and factional gains, not the protection of constitutional order.”

The group said its review covered the impeachment notice, relevant constitutional provisions, financial records cited by lawmakers and public actions of the executive since the administration was inaugurated. It added that none of the allegations met the standard of grave violation envisaged under Section 188 of the Constitution.

GGAC linked the impeachment move to the lingering political rift between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, describing the situation as a continuation of unresolved power struggles rather than a genuine accountability process.

The organisation said the Rivers State House of Assembly had become a proxy arena in a broader contest for control of state institutions, with impeachment being deployed as a tool of political pressure.

It warned that using impeachment for political vendettas threatens democratic stability in Rivers State and across the country.

GGAC also faulted the speed of the impeachment process, citing concerns over due process, fair hearing and what it described as procedural red flags, including inadequate time for response.

The group called on lawmakers to suspend the proceedings and embrace dialogue, urging political leaders, elders and civil society actors to intervene to prevent what it termed an avoidable constitutional crisis.