Society For Social Justice Warns Lawmakers: Don’t Underrate The Masses

The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) has warned lawmakers in Rivers State against underrating the capabilities of the masses.

It issued the warning against the backdrop of the festering political impasse in the oil-rich state, tending towards the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, and signed by Chancellor of the institution, Omenazu Jackson, the Society for Social Justice described the impeachment move as anti-democratic, constitutionally reckless, and a clear abuse of legislative powers

It also warned lawmakers not to mistake the patience of the people for weakness.

The group cautioned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly against coercing or intimidating the governor and his deputy into actions contrary to the interests of the electorate.

“The Constitution requires clear allegations of gross misconduct, due process, fair hearing, legislative quorum, judicial panel investigation, and strict procedural compliance. Any deviation renders such impeachment null, void, and unconstitutional.”

“The Legislature cannot lawfully intimidate or harass the Executive into surrendering its constitutional mandate or policy direction outside the confines of the law,” it added.

Urging both the Executive and Legislature to exercise restraint and uphold constitutional fidelity, the group noted that executive–legislative harmony is essential for good governance, peace, and development.

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“The Governor of Rivers State cannot be coerced or intimidated into acting against the overall interest of the electorate, as his mandate flows directly from the people,” it said.

According to the society for social justice, any impeachment effort disconnected from the genuine will of the people amounts to an assault on popular sovereignty and democratic legitimacy.

Cautioning those he described as crisis merchants, political opportunists, and constitutional saboteurs to desist from actions capable of plunging Rivers State into instability, it added:

“They must be mindful of the lawful resistance of an electorate whose socioeconomic existence is threatened by this ill-conceived, vindictive, and illegitimate impeachment attempt,” the statement said.