The political crisis in Rivers State deepened on Thursday as members of the State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
The process began during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, where the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally presented a notice of allegations against the governor.
Citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, Jack outlined seven grounds of alleged gross misconduct against Fubara. Among the allegations are the demolition of the House of Assembly complex, engagement in extra-budgetary spending, withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with Supreme Court rulings on the financial autonomy of the legislature.
A total of 26 lawmakers appended their signatures to the notice.
Addressing the House after the presentation, Speaker Amaewhule said the allegations would be transmitted to the governor within the constitutionally stipulated timeframe.
“I will ensure that this letter is forwarded to His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, within seven days,” he said.
Shortly after, the Deputy Leader of the House, Linda Stewart, also presented a separate notice of alleged gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
The allegations against Odu include reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstructing the House of Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties, and allegedly conniving to allow unauthorised persons to occupy offices without due screening by the legitimate Assembly.
Other accusations include approaching an alternative group for budget approval instead of the recognised Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as the seizure of salaries and allowances due to lawmakers and the Assembly Service Commission.
This latest development marks the second attempt by the Rivers Assembly to impeach Governor Fubara and his deputy, following a similar move in March 2025.
During the earlier impeachment effort, lawmakers had accused the governor and his deputy of gross misconduct amid a prolonged political fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The political tension at the time prompted President Bola Tinubu to intervene by declaring a state of emergency in the state.
Invoking Section 305(5) of the Constitution, the president suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was subsequently appointed as administrator of the state.
Following a reconciliation process brokered by President Tinubu involving Fubara, Wike and the lawmakers, the governor returned to office after the six-month suspension.
In December, Governor Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform he was elected in 2023, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection came shortly after several members of the Rivers Assembly also joined the APC.
Explaining his decision, Fubara said full alignment with the president was necessary for effective political support.
“We cannot support the President if we don’t fully identify with him, not backyard support,” the governor said.
“So, we have taken that decision today. Everyone who followed me and stood by me, our decision is that we are moving to the APC.”
Rivers Assembly Begins Fresh Impeachment Move Against Gov Fubara, Deputy
