Politics
Rivers Crisis: Impeachment of Fubara Lacks Constitutional Basis — Advocacy Group
A civic watchdog, the Good Governance Advocacy Centre (GGAC), has faulted the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, describing the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the advocacy group said findings from its 72-hour forensic and legal review revealed no act of gross misconduct capable of warranting the removal of the governor or his deputy under Nigeria’s Constitution.
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The statement, signed by GGAC Country Representative, Dr Zaccheus Ocha, explained that the organisation conducted a detailed procedural and factual analysis of the allegations raised by the Rivers State House of Assembly and found them to be weak, speculative, and driven by political interests.
According to the group, the impeachment notice failed to meet the constitutional threshold required to initiate removal proceedings, noting that most of the allegations fell within the lawful discretionary powers of the executive arm of government.
“The Good Governance Advocacy Centre has concluded a 72-hour independent review which establishes that no act of gross misconduct has been committed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara or his deputy,” the statement read.
“What is being presented as impeachment is, in reality, a political project designed to serve personal and factional interests rather than protect constitutional order.”
GGAC disclosed that its review examined the impeachment notice, relevant constitutional provisions—particularly Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution—as well as financial records cited by lawmakers, stressing that none of the claims met the standard of grave violation required for impeachment.
The group also linked the impeachment attempt to the lingering political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, describing the crisis as an extension of unresolved power struggles following the transition of power in the state.
“The unfolding events in Rivers State indicate that the impeachment proceedings are not taking place in isolation,” the statement noted.
“Our findings show that the actions of the House of Assembly are deeply rooted in post-transition power tussles and resistance to the governor’s efforts to assert institutional independence.”
GGAC further alleged that the state legislature had become a tool in a broader struggle to retain control of political structures in the state, warning that impeachment was being used as a coercive weapon to force political submission.
It cautioned that the misuse of impeachment for political vendettas poses a serious threat to democratic stability, not only in Rivers State but across the country.
The advocacy group also criticised the speed with which the impeachment process was initiated, raising concerns over due process, fair hearing, and lack of genuine dialogue.
“The rush to impeachment without meaningful attempts at reconciliation reinforces the conclusion that the process is punitive rather than corrective,” the group said.
GGAC warned that continuing with the impeachment could plunge Rivers State into prolonged political instability, distract governance, and undermine economic and security priorities in the oil-producing state.
The group called on members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to immediately suspend the impeachment proceedings and embrace dialogue, urging elders, political leaders, and civil society groups to intervene to prevent what it described as an avoidable constitutional crisis.
“Rivers State does not need another season of manufactured instability. The interests of the people must take precedence over personal ambitions and unresolved political grievances,” the statement added.
The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has cautioned its members against anti-party activities in the forthcoming National and State Assembly elections.
A government house statement released in Osogbo on Wednesday added that the party warned that all members must support Accord candidates at the polls.
Rising from a closed door stakeholders’ meeting, the party noted several reports of Accord members allegedly backing candidates from PDP, APM, APP and even APC, directing that those members or leaders caught in such acts will face severe disciplinary actions.
The meeting presided over by Governor Ademola Adeleke passed a resolution that all disagreements over selection of legislative candidates should be resolved and the party must unite behind the candidates already fielded by the party.
Under no circumstances should any Accord member be caught sponsoring or working for legislative candidates of other political parties. Such behaviour will not be tolerated, the stakeholders meeting resolved.
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The meeting further directed a small committee to work on constituencies where such abnormalities are noted and take appropriate measures to stop the menace and even sanction the culprits if they persist in such anti-party conduct.
The Accord leadership in the state was also directed to activate monitoring actions to identify those involved in such conduct and call them to order as urgently as possible.
Meanwhile, Gov Adeleke used the Forum to register his gratitude to party members for their steadfast support during the turbulent electioneering process.
“I am deeply grateful to our party members for their depth of loyalty and courageous disposition throughout the democratic struggle. Osun people trusted us and they fought for us under the divine direction of God Almighty.
“We praise God Almighty, the courageous people of Osun state, the electoral commission and you, our loyal party members and leaders. I will remain steadfast in my commitment to the people, the party and God almighty.
“I task us to support our party candidates in the forthcoming legislative elections. We must avoid anti-party activities. Severe sanction awaits any party member who works against the candidates of the party.
“I have also tasked our candidates to reach out to all segments of the party. We must run an inclusive campaign. All shades of opinion must be mobilised for resounding success in future elections”, the governor admonished leaders at the stakeholders’ forum.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over a fake online recruitment notice claiming that the commission has commenced the recruitment and training of ad-hoc staff ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC issued the warning on Monday, August 31, 2026, following the circulation of a message online directing prospective applicants to a website purportedly created for the recruitment exercise.
The electoral commission dismissed the information as false, stressing that the recruitment notice and website did not originate from it.
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In a statement, INEC said, “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to a message circulating online claiming that the Commission is currently recruiting and training ad-hoc staff for the 2027 General Election.”
The commission further clarified that the website being circulated is not its official recruitment portal.
“This information is not from INEC. The website/link being circulated is NOT an official INEC recruitment portal,” INEC stated.
The electoral body warned Nigerians against clicking on the link or providing personal information through the platform, particularly as fraudulent recruitment websites can be used to obtain sensitive details or solicit payments.
“Members of the public are strongly advised NOT to click on the link, submit personal information, upload documents or make any payment through the platform,” the commission warned.
INEC advised members of the public to rely only on its verified communication channels and official websites for information concerning recruitment and election-related activities.
“INEC’s official recruitment and election-related announcements are published through the Commission’s verified communication channels and official websites,” it said.
The commission directed Nigerians seeking authentic information to visit its official website, inecnigeria.org.
INEC also noted that it had previously warned the public about fraudulent websites and fake recruitment advertisements purporting to originate from the commission.
The electoral body urged Nigerians to disregard the latest notice and avoid further circulating it.
“Please disregard and do not circulate this false recruitment notice,” INEC said.
The commission concluded its warning with an appeal to Nigerians to verify the authenticity of online information before clicking on links or submitting personal details.
“Stay informed. Stay safe. Always verify before you click,” INEC stated.
Several opposition political leaders and prominent figures have converged on Abuja for a summit aimed at forging a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The meeting, being held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, attracted notable opposition figures including the Peoples Redemption Party presidential candidate, Donald Duke; Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewale Adebayo; and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu.
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The summit was convened by political pressure group G-100 as part of efforts to bring opposition parties together to mount a stronger challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Also attending the gathering are the Allied Peoples Movement vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura; PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed; SDP vice-presidential candidate, Usman Bugaje; and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, and G-100 Convener, Salihu Lukman, are also among those participating in the summit.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Lukman urged opposition parties to put aside their differences and work towards a common objective of advancing the interests of Nigerians.
He stressed that the proposed cooperation was not about forcing political parties to dissolve or abandon their identities, but about creating a platform where they could work together towards a shared goal.
“We are not asking any political party to dissolve. Let us agree that we must build the table before negotiating the seats,” Lukman said.
The summit comes amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political actors exploring possible alliances and coalition arrangements.
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