Political tension has escalated in Rivers State as the State House of Assembly formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, marking a major development in the state’s ongoing power struggle.

The impeachment process was initiated during a plenary session on Thursday, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, and broadcast live on Channels Television.

Lawmakers Move Against Governor

During the session, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, read out a formal notice of allegations and claims of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara. The notice was reportedly signed by 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

According to the lawmakers, the allegations are grounded in violations of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, relying specifically on Section 188, which outlines the procedure for removing a governor from office.

Speaker Amaewhule announced that the notice of allegations would be formally served on Governor Fubara within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.

Allegations Against Governor Fubara

In the notice presented to the House, the lawmakers accused Governor Fubara of several acts they described as gross misconduct, including:

• The demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex
• Extra-budgetary spending without legislative approval
• Withholding funds meant for the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission
• Refusal to comply with Supreme Court rulings, particularly on the financial autonomy of the House of Assembly

The lawmakers argued that these actions undermined legislative independence and violated constitutional norms.