The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong warning against any attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The rights advocacy group described the alleged plot as unconstitutional and potentially destabilizing, cautioning that any move to remove the governor through undemocratic means would be met with stiff resistance from the people.
In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of allegedly influencing the 27 lawmakers loyal to him in the Rivers State House of Assembly to push for the impeachment of Governor Fubara. The group warned that political instability ultimately harms the people, as governance is disrupted and essential development projects are halted.
The association urged Wike to act as a statesman rather than engage in divisive politics that could undermine peace in Rivers State. Having served as governor for eight years, HURIWA stressed that Wike should focus on national unity rather than fueling intra-state conflicts. The statement further emphasized that as a senior cabinet member in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, it would be inappropriate for Wike to be at the center of political turmoil in his home state.
HURIWA cautioned that history would not be kind to the former governor if he encouraged his loyalists to embark on an impeachment process that could plunge Rivers into prolonged political instability. It reminded all political actors that the interests of Rivers State must take precedence over personal ambitions. Peace, stability, security, and good governance, the group stated, should be the priority of all those involved in the political conflict rather than factional supremacy.
The rights organization also issued a stern warning to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS), urging them to maintain neutrality in the crisis. It stressed that security forces must not be used as political tools in any unconstitutional attempt to unseat the governor. Their primary duty, HURIWA reminded, is to ensure law and order without taking sides.
The group condemned the recent allegations of age falsification against the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, describing them as a desperate political move to weaken the state’s judiciary. It expressed shock that the 27 lawmakers allegedly loyal to Wike would attempt to manipulate the judiciary to serve their political objectives. HURIWA emphasized that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and must not be dragged into partisan conflicts.
The crisis in Rivers State deepened following the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to a constitutional and political standoff. Governor Fubara has insisted that under Nigeria’s constitutional provisions, the defected lawmakers have automatically lost their seats. However, the lawmakers continue to claim legitimacy, fueling a prolonged confrontation.
HURIWA also highlighted the contradictory stance of the Supreme Court on legislative defections, citing past cases such as Hon. Michael Dapianlong & Ors v. Chief (Dr) Joshua Chibi Dariye & Anor. In this ruling, the Supreme Court held that defected lawmakers should lose their seats and cannot participate in legislative functions until fresh elections are held. The group questioned why this principle was not applied in Rivers State, where the defected lawmakers continue to exercise legislative powers despite their contested legitimacy.
The association warned that any impeachment attempt would likely fail and worsen political tensions in Rivers, potentially leading to civil unrest and security challenges. It stressed that such an attempt could trigger violent protests, economic stagnation, and widespread instability. The people of Rivers State, HURIWA argued, deserve peace and progress rather than political crisis.
HURIWA called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that democratic principles are upheld in Rivers State. The group urged the president to take decisive action to prevent the situation from escalating further by cautioning his appointees and political actors against destabilizing moves.
As a civil rights organization dedicated to promoting democracy and good governance, HURIWA affirmed its commitment to closely monitoring developments in Rivers State and taking necessary steps to prevent the subversion of democracy. The association concluded by urging all political stakeholders to prioritize the collective interests of the people over personal ambitions and political power struggles.
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