The political temperature in Rivers State surged on Thursday as the State House of Assembly launched impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, on accusations of gross misconduct.
During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally presented a notice outlining allegations against the governor. The move was made under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, which guides impeachment processes in Nigeria.
Jack listed seven instances of alleged misconduct by Governor Fubara. The claims include the demolition of the Assembly complex, spending outside approved budgetary limits, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy.
The notice was signed by 26 lawmakers, giving the process significant backing. After the presentation, Speaker Amaewhule announced that the governor would be served within seven days, as required by law.
The drama deepened when the Deputy Leader of the House, Linda Stewart, submitted a separate impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ngozi Odu.
Odu is accused of unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstructing the Assembly from performing its constitutional duties, and permitting unauthorized individuals to occupy government offices without proper screening by the recognized legislative arm.
She is also alleged to have sought budgetary approval from a group not recognized as the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly and to have withheld salaries and allowances due to the Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission.
The latest moves mark a significant escalation in the power struggle within the state and set the stage for another round of political confrontation in Rivers.
