The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has initiated proceedings to recall 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, over their impeachment move against Governor Sim Fubara. The lawmakers are accused of initiating impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara without constituent endorsement, a move seen as a power play that disregards the will of the people.
The impeachment notice served to Governor Fubara has been deemed invalid due to a fundamental flaw – the lawmakers addressed him as “Madam”. This embarrassing error has been seized upon by ALDRAP as a basis for the recall proceedings. Furthermore, the lawmakers failed to explore amicable methods to resolve conflicts, contrary to a February 2025 Supreme Court judgment, which has added fuel to the crisis.
ALDRAP has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting certified true copies of the voters’ register for all state constituencies in Rivers State, citing their right as constituents to initiate the recall process. The group has put INEC on notice that it will seek court action if the Commission fails to release the documents.
The impeachment notice against Governor Fubara alleges gross misconduct, including financial misappropriation, demolition of the Assembly complex, and refusal to comply with Supreme Court rulings on financial autonomy. However, ALDRAP argues that these allegations are unfounded and lack merit, and are merely a pretext for the lawmakers to remove the Governor from office.
The situation has sparked concerns about governance and stability in Rivers State, with calls for calm and dialogue from various groups. The lawmakers and Governor Fubara are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), making internal dispute resolution mechanisms a likely option. As the crisis deepens, the people of Rivers State await the outcome, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the interests of the state and its people.
