By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has condemned the decision by the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the move as undemocratic, politically motivated, and a violation of constitutional provisions.

In a press release issued on Wednesday and signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD, and Barrister Femisi Akande, Head of Litigation and Human Rights Enforcement, the organisation said the action represents “an abuse of legislative power” and a distortion of the impeachment process as outlined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“Impeachment is governed by a clear, sequential, and transparent constitutional process meant solely to address proven acts of gross misconduct,” the organisation stated, stressing that it should not be used as a political weapon or a tool for settling partisan disputes.

FENRAD expressed concern that the ongoing process appears to disregard constitutional requirements of due process, fairness, and accountability.

“Any impeachment process that lacks clear, publicly verifiable allegations and is driven by political hostility rather than constitutional necessity violates democratic principles and undermines the rule of law,” the group said.

The organisation also referenced Section 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, which affirms that sovereignty belongs to the people, warning that removing an elected governor through politically orchestrated means amounts to an attack on the will of Rivers State voters.

“Any attempt to remove an elected governor through such processes is an assault on the sovereign will of the people of Rivers State who freely elected their governor through the ballot,” FENRAD added.

It further cautioned that legislative actions aimed at destabilising the executive arm without constitutional justification threaten the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.

FENRAD 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 constitutional order, while appealing to political actors to avoid actions capable of plunging the state into political instability.