"Rivers Crisis: Lawyer Sounds Alarm on Political Gangsterism, Advocates for Rule of Law"

Table of Contents

1. Warning Against Political Gangsterism
2. Political Pressure on Governance
3. Deficit in Leadership and Constitutional Literacy
4. Post-Election Political Tension
5. Impact on Democratic Expression
6. Concerns About the House of Assembly
7. Constitutional Authority and Due Process
8. Importance of Impeachment Procedures

A lawyer and public affairs analyst, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has cautioned that the recent political maneuvers against the governor of Rivers State signify a perilous descent into what he terms “political gangsterism.”

In a statement issued in Calabar, Ahiakwo remarked that the political pressures being applied on the state's executive branch represent a concerning chapter in Rivers State's democratic history, one that will not be easily overlooked.

He pointed out that the state is experiencing one of its most challenging times, as governance seems to be veering away from constitutional order and public accountability.

According to him, governance in Rivers State has increasingly taken on a “monstrous form,” revealing a significant lack of leadership discipline and constitutional understanding among key political figures.

Ahiakwo noted that post-election periods tend to escalate political tensions instead of alleviating them, highlighting what he described as confrontational and, at times, treasonous behaviors masquerading as political loyalty or dominance.

He warned that such actions stifle authentic democratic expression and create an environment where mediocrity can flourish at the expense of institutional integrity and effective public service.

The legal expert expressed particular concern regarding the recent actions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which he claimed has deviated from its constitutional role as a stabilizing entity.

Citing Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Ahiakwo emphasized that the legislature is tasked with making laws for peace, order, and good governance, rather than acting as a disruptive extension of the executive as outlined in Section 5.

He further asserted that Nigeria’s constitutional framework does not allow the exercise of political authority through intimidation, elite consensus, or coercion, emphasizing that sovereignty belongs to the people and must be exercised strictly through due process.

Referencing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Inakoju v. Adeleke (2007), Ahiakwo noted that constitutional procedures, especially concerning impeachment matters, are mandatory and not merely advisory, warning that any deviation would render such processes unconstitutional.

He added that impeachment is a serious constitutional mechanism governed by strict safeguards under Section 188 of the Constitution, which exist to protect democratic stability rather than individuals, and cautioned that noncompliance—as reaffirmed in cases such as Dapianlong v. Dariye (2007) and Shaibu v. Edo State (2024)—constitutes a direct attack on the rule of law.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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