Lawyer and National Coordinator of the Advocates for People’s Rights and Justice, Victor Giwa, says Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has the right to challenge the impeachment proceedings initiated against him by the State House of Assembly.
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, Wiwa said the issue of a governor’s removal is discretionary, stressing that such a governor can challenge the process at any stage.
He stated that the principle of fair hearing is a constitutional matter and it is in the foundation of the nation’s law.
The lawyer said: “The issue of a governor’s removal is discretionary, meaning he can challenge the process at any stage.
“Section 188(9) says the governor shall have the right to be represented by himself or a counsel of his choice. So, that issue is talking about fair hearing. If the governor is not served with that notice and he’s not in receipt of that notice, then there’s no way you can claim to remove him.
“It’s a strong constitutional process for you to remove a governor. And Fubara said he has not even been served with what you are saying, because he has the right to be heard.
“So, it is very fundamental for the court not to inquire what they are doing, but to find out if the governor has been served any notice of impeachment. So, if the governor has been served, then the process can go on.”
