Human rights lawyer Festus Ogwuche has warned that presidential intervention in Rivers State could weaken Nigeria’s democracy and federal structure. Speaking on Arise News, Ogwuche criticised the settlement reportedly brokered by the Presidency to halt impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
According to him, the deal—said to require Fubara to recognise Nyesom Wike as his political leader and rule out second-term discussions—sets a troubling precedent. Ogwuche described it as unusual and alarming for an elected governor to submit publicly to a political godfather as a condition for peace.
He argued that the arrangement subordinates state governance to federal influence, blurring the lines of constitutional authority and eroding federalism. Ogwuche noted that political power is shifting from institutions to individuals, especially around the Presidency.
The lawyer further warned that stopping impeachment through political instruction, rather than legislative process, damages separation of powers and undermines voter choice. He stressed that such interventions silence dissent rather than resolve tension, turning governance into a transactional exercise.
Ogwuche concluded that normalising federal interference in state politics could endanger democratic norms ahead of future elections.
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