The political crisis rocking Rivers State deepened on Thursday as the State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers accused Mr Fubara and Ms Odu of gross misconduct during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule.
The notice of allegations was read by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, who, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, outlined seven counts of alleged gross misconduct against the governor.
The allegations against Mr Fubara included the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, the withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and his alleged refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature.
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As of press time, 26 lawmakers had signed the notice after it was formally laid before the Speaker. Mr Amaewhule said the notice would be served on the governor within seven days.
The allegations against the deputy governor were presented by the Deputy Leader, Linda Stewart. They included claims of reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, as well as obstructing the House of Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties as provided under the 1999 Constitution.
Other allegations against Ms Odu included allegedly conniving to allow unauthorised persons to occupy offices without proper screening by the legitimate House of Assembly, seeking budgetary approval from another group instead of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the alleged seizure of salaries and allowances due to the Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission.
This is not the first attempt by the Assembly to remove Mr Fubara from office. On 18 March 2025, The Port City News (TCPN) reported that lawmakers had initiated impeachment moves against the governor before the ensuing state of emergency saga.
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