by Onuado Cynthia
Political tension escalated in Rivers State on Thursday as the State House of Assembly formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, listing multiple allegations of gross misconduct against him and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
At plenary, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, acting on the directive of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, read out a notice of misconduct, which contained 10 allegations against the governor.
According to the notice, the alleged offences of gross misconduct include the appointment of persons into offices and positions in the Rivers State Government without compliance with constitutional requirements for screening and confirmation by the House of Assembly.
Other allegations include the seizure of salaries, allowances and funds due to the “legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly,” allegedly in violation of Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the House, Mr. Emeka Amadi.
The lawmakers further accused the governor of refusing to implement constitutional provisions on the financial autonomy of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the judiciary, withholding funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, and frustrating the operation of a commission established under Part 2AA of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Additional allegations listed include “attack and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of Rivers State or any person,” and “destroying the Government because of fear of being impeached.”
Addressing lawmakers after the notice was read, Speaker Martins Amaewhule said: “The Majority Leader has just laid before the House the Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended in 1999. This particular letter was signed by 26 members of the River State House of Assembly, which the Majority Leader has read their names.
“Distinguished colleagues, I am now in receipt of this letter and pursuant to sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended, I will ensure that this letter is forwarded to His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of River State within seven days. Distinguished colleagues, I will do that. Rest assured, I will not renege. I will do my job in line with the Constitution.”
LEADERSHIP recalls that the Rivers State House of Assembly had earlier in 2025 raised allegations against Governor Fubara, including extra-budgetary spending, demolition of the State Assembly complex, withholding funds due to the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged non-compliance with a Supreme Court directive on legislative autonomy.
The fresh impeachment move, which also affects the deputy governor, has further heightened political tension in the state, raising concerns over governance and stability in Rivers State.
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