HURIWA Warns Against Impeachment Plot Against Fubara
The Rivers State House of Assembly has enacted three significant bills designed to enhance the legislative framework of the state and promote effective governance.
These bills were approved during the Assembly’s 136th Legislative Sitting on Friday and will be submitted to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his approval.
The three bills include the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025; the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025; and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025.
According to information obtained by The Guardian, the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025, aims to provide the Assembly with the necessary powers, privileges, and immunity to carry out its legislative responsibilities effectively.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025, seeks to repeal the current State Electoral Law of 2018 and introduce a new law that establishes, defines the composition of, and outlines the functions of the Commission in accordance with the Electoral Act of 2022 and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025, intends to repeal the Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024, and to enact a new Local Government Law that aligns with modern regulations governing local councils.
Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule emphasized that the House is pursuing the domestication of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2017, which conferred specific powers and privileges to the legislature in fulfilling its duties.
Amaewhule highlighted the critical nature of the RSIEC Bill, noting the necessity for alignment with the Electoral Act and the Constitution.
He underscored the importance of updating the Local Government Law to reflect certain constitutional mandates, affirming that the Rivers State House of Assembly will persist in executing its legislative functions in the best interests of the populace.
Praising the members for their determination and perseverance, Amaewhule remarked, “For dedicating your break for the benefit of the people, history will remember you favorably.” He further acknowledged their commitment to going above and beyond in service to the state and its citizens. Subsequently, the House adjourned indefinitely.
In a related development, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a warning against any efforts to impeach Governor Fubara, labeling such actions as a “futile and dangerous scheme” that is destined to fail.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA emphasized that Fubara was elected democratically by the majority of the people in Rivers, and any attempt to remove him through unconstitutional means would face strong opposition from the populace.
The organization specifically urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to refrain from inciting the 27 lawmakers aligned with him in the state House of Assembly to pursue an impeachment against Fubara.
“The FCT Minister should regard himself as a national leader and a unifier, rather than a source of division. It is unbecoming of his position as a senior cabinet member in President Bola Tinubu’s government to be involved in an intra-state political conflict. History will not look favorably upon him if he encourages his supporters in the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate an impeachment that could lead to extended political turmoil in the state,” HURIWA asserted.
