A coalition of local government councillorship candidates in Rivers State has strongly condemned the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning that the move could deepen the political crisis in the state.
The lawmakers had, on Thursday, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, accusing them of gross misconduct, including allegations that the governor authorised spending without the approval of the House.
Reacting to the development, the Coalition of Councillorship Candidates for Grassroots Governance in Rivers said the impeachment process was rushed, unjustified, and disconnected from the interests of ordinary people at the grassroots.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by its chairman, Akwu Jonathan, the group described the actions of the Assembly as “lawless, morally bankrupt, and politically reckless,” accusing lawmakers of using impeachment as a tool to settle political scores rather than protect democracy.
According to the coalition, the Assembly is abusing its constitutional powers in a manner that undermines the mandate freely given to the governor by Rivers people, especially at a time when the state is already grappling with political instability.
The group further alleged that the impeachment move was part of a deliberate plan to take control of governance through what it termed “legislative brigandage,” adding that such actions amount to a betrayal of public trust and democratic principles.
Insisting that the lawmakers lack the moral and political legitimacy to pursue the process, the coalition called for an immediate suspension of all impeachment activities, urging the Assembly to prioritise peace and stability in the state.
The group warned that if the impeachment process continues, it would respond with grassroots action against lawmakers involved. It said it was ready to initiate recall proceedings against Assembly members who support the impeachment, vowing to mobilise communities across the state to challenge what it described as a betrayal of representation.
“We are ready to move ward by ward, street by street, and community by community to reclaim the people’s mandate and hold accountable those who have chosen personal and political interests over the will of the people,” the statement added.
