Impeachment Storm in Rivers: Assembly Moves Against Gov Fubara, Deputy

The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, escalating the state’s deepening political crisis.

The move was initiated during plenary on Thursday when the Minority Leader, Hon. Major Jack, drew the attention of the Speaker to a notice of gross misconduct leveled against the governor.
Relying on Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Major Jack presented seven allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.

The accusations include the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, alleged extra-budgetary spending, and the withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission.

The governor was also accused of refusing to comply with a Supreme Court ruling affirming the financial autonomy of the House of Assembly.

Following the presentation of the notice against the governor, the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Linda Stewart, similarly laid before the Speaker a notice of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
According to the notice, the deputy governor is accused of reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, as well as obstructing the House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties as provided for under the 1999 Constitution.

Other allegations include conniving to allow unauthorised persons to occupy offices without proper screening by the legitimate House of Assembly, approaching another group for budgetary approvals instead of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the alleged seizure of salaries and allowances due to lawmakers and the Assembly Service Commission.

With the formal presentation of the notices, the impeachment process against both the governor and his deputy has officially begun, setting the stage for what is expected to be a tense political showdown in Rivers State.