The Rivers State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara are being influenced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that lawmakers are acting strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
The Assembly’s spokesperson, Enemi George, stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.
George said suggestions that the impeachment move was being orchestrated by Wike or any other political figure were misleading and capable of undermining democratic institutions.
He said, “We are not acting on anybody’s instructions. The Rivers State House of Assembly is a constitutional body, and whatever we are doing is strictly in line with the provisions of the Constitution. To suggest that we are being controlled by any individual is not only wrong but dangerous to our democracy.”
Responding specifically to questions on the alleged influence of the former Rivers State governor, George warned against mixing partisan politics with constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, “Once you begin to mix politics with constitutional duties, you are setting a very dangerous precedent. Lawmakers have a responsibility to their constituents and to the Constitution, not to political godfathers.”
He explained that the impeachment process followed due legislative procedure and was based on issues formally brought before the House, adding that the Assembly had a duty to examine such matters in the interest of good governance.
“The House has the constitutional power to carry out oversight and, where necessary, take steps allowed by law. What we are doing is not personal; it is institutional. We swore an oath to defend the Constitution, and that is exactly what we are doing,” George said.
The Assembly spokesperson also urged the public to disregard what he described as attempts to politicise the process, noting that such narratives were designed to distract attention from the constitutional issues at stake.
“People should allow the process to run its full course. At the end of the day, history will judge us based on whether we upheld the law or not,” he added.
The impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara have continued to attract widespread attention and sharp political reactions across Rivers State and beyond, further heightening tensions within the state’s already polarised political environment.