The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, citing alleged constitutional breaches and gross misconduct. The development unfolded at a plenary session on Thursday presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule in Port Harcourt.
At the session, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read a notice of allegations against Governor Fubara under Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The notice, signed by 26 lawmakers, lists multiple acts the legislature describes as constituting gross misconduct. These include the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, extra-budgetary expenditure without legislative consent, and withholding of funds due to the Assembly Service Commission.
A separate impeachment notice was also read against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu by the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart. The legislature alleges that she engaged in reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstructed the constitutional functions of the House, and allowed unauthorised individuals to occupy government offices without proper screening by the legally constituted Assembly.
The Assembly has invoked constitutional provisions that permit impeachment where there is reasonable belief that a public officer has acted in a manner inconsistent with the responsibilities of their office. The notice will be formally delivered to both Governor Fubara and his deputy within seven days, as required by law. Officials indicated that the process is expected to follow the constitutional timeline for hearings and responses.
Lawmakers emphasised that impeachment is a constitutionally sanctioned mechanism intended to uphold accountability and adherence to the rule of law. They noted previous attempts at legislative engagement regarding fiscal processes, including the presentation of appropriation bills, and said those had not resulted in compliance.
Political stakeholders and analysts are observing the developments closely, recognising that the outcome could have implications for governance processes in the state. The impeachment move comes amid longstanding tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State, particularly over budgetary and oversight matters.
The next procedural steps will involve formal hearings where the governor and deputy governor are entitled to respond to the allegations. State and federal constitutional requirements stipulate timelines for evidence presentation, defence, and assembly deliberation, ensuring due process throughout.
