…26 legislators accused the Rivers State governor and his deputy of gross misconduct
RIVERS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The action was taken during a plenary session on Thursday, presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, as broadcast live on Channels Television. During the session, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
A total of 26 lawmakers endorsed the notice, which the House said was issued in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. Amaewhule disclosed that the notice would be formally served on Fubara within seven days.
The Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, also presented a separate notice outlining allegations of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
Invoking Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, Jack listed seven alleged acts of gross misconduct against Fubara. These include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary expenditure, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and failure to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the House’s financial autonomy.
After the notice against the governor was laid before the Speaker, Stewart similarly submitted the notice against Odu.
According to the allegations, Odu is accused of reckless and unconstitutional use of public funds, obstructing the House from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities, and allegedly conspiring to allow unauthorised individuals to occupy offices without proper screening by the recognised House of Assembly.
Other claims against the deputy governor include seeking budgetary approval from an alternative group rather than the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as allegedly seizing salaries and allowances due to the Assembly and the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission.
This development marks the second attempt by the lawmakers to remove Fubara and his deputy, following an earlier impeachment move in March 2025.
At the time, 26 legislators accused the Rivers State governor and his deputy of gross misconduct amid a political rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
As tensions escalated in the oil-producing state, President Bola Tinubu intervened by declaring a state of emergency. He subsequently suspended Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period, citing Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution.
Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s administrator during the period.
Following a reconciliation brokered among Fubara, Wike now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the lawmakers, Fubara was reinstated as governor after six months.
In December, Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, under which he was elected in 2023, to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Explaining his decision, Fubara said the move was necessary to fully align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, adding that he and his supporters had collectively resolved to join the APC.
His defection came shortly after several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly also switched to the APC.
