By Nworisa Michael
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing allegations of gross misconduct, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The process began during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, where Majority Leader Major Jack formally presented a notice containing seven allegations against Governor Fubara. These include the demolition of the House of Assembly complex, extra-budgetary expenditures, withholding funds allocated to the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged non-compliance with a Supreme Court judgment on legislative financial autonomy. The notice was endorsed by 26 House members.
In the same session, Deputy Leader Linda Stewart presented a notice of allegations against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. Allegations include unconstitutional and reckless expenditure of public funds, obstruction of the House in performing its constitutional duties, unauthorized appointments, seeking budget approvals outside legislative processes, and withholding salaries and allowances due to members of the House and Assembly Service Commission.
Speaker Amaewhule has directed that the notices be formally served on both the Governor and Deputy Governor within seven days, as stipulated by the Constitution. The impeachment process is expected to continue following the timelines and procedures outlined under Section 188.
The development marks a critical moment in Rivers State politics, as the House exercises its constitutional powers to hold the executive accountable for alleged misconduct.