CLO urges caution over Rivers Assembly’s move to impeach Gov Fubara, Deputy

EMMANUEL NLEWEDUM, Port Harcourt

The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has expressed concern over the fresh moves by the Martin Amaehwule-led Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor (Mrs.) Ngozi Odu.

The lawmakers on Thursday reconvened from their recess that would have lapsed on January 26, 2026, to initiate impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy, over allegations of gross misconduct, misappropriation of funds and failure to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House, and adjourned to January 15, in a move that has kicked up dust in the polity.

The CLO in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Sunny Dada and Secretary-General acknowledged the constitutional power of the State Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings but emphasizes that such power must be exercised with caution. and adherence to established procedures, fair hearing for the Governor, and consideration of the broader context.

“We are concerned that the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State create a fragile environment in which constitutional procedures may be perceived rightly or wrongly as instruments of political conflict rather than democratic oversight.

“In this context, CLO therefore cautions and demands that the House of Assembly must strictly comply with constitutional provisions, its own standing rules, and established judicial precedents.

Any impeachment process conducted in bad faith, haste, or secrecy will lack legitimacy and invite judicial and public repudiation.

“The Governor must be afforded full constitutional protections, including proper service of allegations, adequate time to respond, and an impartial investigative panel.

Anything short of this constitutes a violation of democratic rights and legislative overreach.
“The alleged failure to present an appropriation bill cannot be examined in isolation from the broader political and institutional crisis in Rivers State, including disputes over legislative legitimacy, court processes, and executive legislative relations.

CLO warns against selective interpretation of constitutional obligations for political ends.”

The CLO therefore called on all parties, including the Rivers State House of Assembly, the executive arm, political actors, and security agencies to exercise restraint, uphold constitutionalism, and prioritize dialogue over confrontation, while calling on the governor to explore all options that could lead to dialogue and smooth executive-legislative relationship.

They advised that “Such efforts should begin with the presentation of the 2026 appropriation bill to the lawmakers for legislative action.

“Democracy in Rivers State is at a critical juncture. History will judge not only the actions taken, but the intentions behind them. CLO will continue to monitor developments closely and will take all lawful steps to defend civil liberties, constitutionalism, and democratic stability in Rivers State.”

The CLO however, warned that “Rivers State must not be sacrificed on the altar of political power struggles:

Rivers State is a critical economic and strategic hub. Actions that risk governance paralysis, civil unrest, or erosion of public trust must be avoided.

Political actors must remember that constitutional institutions exist to serve the people and not factional interests.

In the meantime, the Assembly had served a notice of impeachment on Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, declaring that its not backing down on it’s move.