…Calls for Immediate Cessation of Destabilizing Tactics Against Governor Fubara
… Urges Wike to rise above petty power struggles and play the role of a statesman.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has issued a strong warning to the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what it describes as an “orchestrated plot” to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The group says the move, currently being set in motion with the serving of gross misconduct allegations on the governor and his deputy, reeks of desperation, political vendetta, and a blatant disregard for the democratic mandate of the Rivers people.
HURIWA in a statement signed by the national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko noted that recent actions of the pro-Wike lawmakers clearly show a premeditated agenda aimed at plunging the state into political instability. According to the rights group, the lawmakers have demonstrated through several deliberate steps their sole objective, which is to forcefully remove the democratically elected governor.
“It is crystal clear to every well-meaning Nigerian that the 27 defected lawmakers, allegedly, under the subtle directives of their political benefactor, are systematically working to derail governance in Rivers State,” HURIWA’s Onwubiko, stated.
The rights group referenced the lawmakers’ reported refusal to accept official letters inviting them for dialogue with Governor Fubara, their controversial decision to lock out the governor from the Assembly premises last week when he attempted to present the 2025 budget, and their subsequent indefinite adjournment of the House, which has effectively halted legislative functions.
“All these actions are not coincidental,” HURIWA noted. “They are carefully plotted moves designed to frustrate the governor, destabilise the state’s economy, sabotage the upcoming local government elections, and ultimately create a scenario where the governor can be forcefully removed under trumped-up charges.”
HURIWA stressed that the defection of the lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) casts doubt on their legitimacy, and described their sudden interest in impeaching the governor as an abuse of legislative powers.
The association reminded the legislators that Governor Fubara was democratically elected by the overwhelming majority of Rivers State citizens, and any attempt to subvert that mandate through legislative brigandage would not only fail but would also attract widespread condemnation.
“The people of Rivers State are not unaware of these maneuvers. They see through the facade, and they will resist any attempt to impose leadership against their collective will,” HURIWA warned.
Furthermore, the rights group admonished the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, urging him to rise above petty power struggles and play the role of a statesman. HURIWA reminded Wike that, having served eight years as governor and now holding a cabinet-level position in the national government, history would not be kind to him if he is seen instigating actions that could plunge his home state into chaos.
“The FCT Minister should act as a unifier, not a divider. Allegedly encouraging his loyalists to pursue an impeachment campaign that is destined to destabilize Rivers State is unbecoming of someone of his political stature,” the group said.
HURIWA also condemned recent allegations of age falsification leveled against the Chief Judge of Rivers State by the same group of lawmakers. The association described the allegation as a desperate ploy to weaken the judiciary and force it into submission to further their political ambition.
The rights group called on security agencies, particularly the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to remain neutral in the unfolding political crisis. It warned against any attempt to use security operatives as pawns to achieve political objectives, stressing that any such move would undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The time has come for all parties in Rivers State to prioritize peace, stability, security, and good governance above selfish interests,” HURIWA concluded. “The impeachment plot is unnecessary and dangerous. The lawmakers should sheath their swords and cooperate with the governor to deliver on his mandate for the people of Rivers State.”
HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to continue monitoring developments in Rivers State and pledged to stand firmly in defense of democracy and constitutionalism.
