A seismic shift has rocked Rivers State as the House of Assembly, dominated by 26 members, has formally accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu of serious misconduct, igniting a potential impeachment crisis.
In a dramatic move, the lawmakers submitted a notice to Martin Amaewhule on Monday, invoking “Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other existing laws,” to initiate proceedings against the state’s top executives.
The charges leveled against Governor Fubara are severe, encompassing allegations of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, deliberate obstruction of the Assembly’s functions, and the appointment of key officials without the requisite legislative screening and confirmation. Further accusations include the withholding of salaries, allowances, and funds rightfully belonging to the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, and the seizure of the Clerk’s salary.
Deputy Governor Odu is implicated in the allegations, accused of “conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to government positions” without proper legislative oversight.
Amaewhule, upon receiving the notice, promptly forwarded it to Governor Fubara, emphasizing that the allegations were presented by “not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” as mandated by constitutional provisions.
He has now directed Governor Fubara to respond to the allegations within 14 days, as stipulated by Section 188(3) of the Constitution. This section mandates the Assembly to resolve, without debate, whether the allegations warrant further investigation.
The Speaker concluded his communication with a formal advisory for the Governor to “act accordingly,” underscoring the gravity of the situation and the looming threat of impeachment proceedings.
