The political situation in Rivers State escalated on Thursday as members of the State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
During plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read a notice of allegations against the governor. The notice was presented in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Jack outlined seven alleged acts of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara, including the demolition of the House of Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with the Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature.
The notice of impeachment was signed by 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Following its presentation, Speaker Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on the governor within seven days, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Shortly after, the Deputy Leader of the House, Linda Stewart, also presented a separate notice of alleged gross misconduct against the deputy governor, Ngozi Odu.
The allegations against Odu include reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstruction of the House of Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties, and allegedly allowing unauthorized individuals to occupy offices without proper screening by the legitimate Assembly.
Other accusations levelled against the deputy governor include seeking budgetary approval from a group outside the recognised Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as the seizure of salaries and allowances belonging to the House and the Assembly Service Commission.
