Political developments in Rivers State shifted again on Thursday as lawmakers in the State House of Assembly formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The legislators accused both officials of engaging in actions they described as gross misconduct.
The move was taken during a plenary session chaired by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule. At the sitting, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally presented and read a notice outlining allegations and claims of gross misconduct leveled against Governor Fubara.
Invoking Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, Jack detailed seven alleged violations attributed to the governor. Among the issues cited were the destruction of the Assembly Complex, expenditures carried out outside approved budgets, and the alleged withholding of statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission. The governor was also accused of disregarding a ruling of the Supreme Court concerning the financial independence of the legislature.
The impeachment notice was endorsed by 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, signaling significant legislative backing for the process.
Following the presentation of the notice, the Speaker stated that the document would be formally served on the governor within seven days. Shortly afterward, the Deputy Leader of the Assembly, Linda Stewart, also presented a separate notice accusing Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu of gross misconduct.
The allegations against Odu include claims of reckless and unconstitutional use of public funds, actions said to have hindered the House of Assembly from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities under the 1999 Constitution, and alleged collaboration to allow unauthorized individuals to occupy offices without proper screening by the duly constituted Assembly.
Additional accusations against the deputy governor include seeking budgetary approval from another group rather than the recognized Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as the alleged seizure of salaries and allowances belonging to the Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission.
Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
What you should know
The impeachment process in Rivers State is unfolding under Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the legal steps lawmakers must follow when accusing a governor or deputy of gross misconduct.
The endorsement of the notice by 26 lawmakers indicates strong legislative momentum, but the process is still at an early stage. Both the governor and deputy governor are entitled to respond once formally served.
The development reflects ongoing political tensions in the state and could have major implications for governance, stability, and the balance of power between the executive and legislature.
