The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule, on Thursday formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
The move was initiated during a plenary session where a formal notice alleging “gross misconduct” was presented to the House.
According to the petition, 26 lawmakers appended their signatures, including Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, Majority Leader Major Jack, and Chief Whip Franklin Nwabochi.
In justifying the impeachment move, the lawmakers cited several alleged constitutional breaches as grounds for the action.
These include claims that Governor Fubara engaged in unconstitutional spending by withdrawing funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without legislative approval, as well as accusations of making illegal appointments without the mandatory screening and confirmation by the Assembly.
The petition also alleges contempt of court, accusing the governor of disregarding judicial rulings on the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led Assembly, and further claims that salaries of the Clerk of the Assembly, Emeka Amadi, along with other recognized House staff, were unlawfully withheld.
The impeachment move comes amid escalating political tensions in the state, following the recent defection of Governor Fubara to the APC, a development that has deepened divisions within Rivers State politics.
In line with Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, the Speaker is required to serve the notice of allegations on the Governor and Deputy Governor within seven days.
The two executives will then be given an opportunity to respond before the Assembly determines whether to request the constitution of an investigative panel by the Chief Judge of the state.
