The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
During plenary presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice of allegations against the governor, which he said was signed by 26 lawmakers. The Speaker stated that the notice would be formally served on Fubara within seven days in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Relying on Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, Jack listed several allegations against the governor, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, alleged extra-budgetary spending, withholding of funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature.
The Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, subsequently presented a separate notice of alleged gross misconduct against the deputy governor.
According to the notice, Odu was accused of reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstructing the House from carrying out its constitutional duties, and allegedly conniving to allow unauthorised individuals to occupy public offices without legislative screening. She was also accused of seeking budget approvals outside the legally constituted Assembly and withholding salaries and allowances due to the legislature and its Service Commission.
The latest move is the second attempt by lawmakers to impeach Fubara and his deputy, following a similar action in March 2025 amid a prolonged political crisis in the state.
The crisis had earlier prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the temporary suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the Assembly, and the appointment of a sole administrator. Fubara later returned to office after a reconciliation process.
