The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct and constitutional violations.
Tension filled the Assembly complex in Port Harcourt as lawmakers formally read out the allegations against both officials during plenary, which was presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
During the session, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice outlining seven counts of alleged gross misconduct against Governor Fubara, anchored on Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution. The allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with Supreme Court rulings on the financial autonomy of the legislature.
Jack disclosed that 26 members of the House endorsed the impeachment notice. Following the presentation, the Speaker announced that the notice would be formally served on Governor Fubara within seven days.
Deputy Governor Also Accused
In a related development, the Deputy Leader of the Assembly, Linda Stewart, tabled a separate notice of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
The allegations against the deputy governor include reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, obstruction of the House from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities, collusion to allow unauthorised individuals to occupy government offices without due process, seeking budget approval from an unauthorised body, and withholding salaries and allowances due to the House of Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission.
The impeachment process is expected to unfold in the coming days as political tension continues to rise in the state.
