The Rivers State House of Assembly has served Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, a notice of an alleged gross misconduct.
This National Beam gathered is signalling an imminent impeachment process.
We also learnt that the notice listing the alleged misconduct sent to the Speaker was sequel to a letter dated March 14, 2025, signed by 26 members of the Assembly.
The Speaker, Amaewhule, sent the notice in two separate letters he signed on Monday, March 17, 2025 and addressed to the governor and his deputy.
According to Punch Online, “the development has escalated the political tension in the state, as some Ijaw groups and other groups had threatened a crisis in the region if Fubara, who is of Ijaw descent, is impeached.
They warned that such actions could lead to unrest, emphasising their commitment to defending the governor’s mandate and cautioning that his removal might destabilise the region and affect oil production.
The letter which the 26 lawmakers averred it was “in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, listed 19 constitutional breaches and infractions by the governor.
“We, the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hereby forward to you (Speaker) a notice of gross misconduct by the Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of his office.
“Reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds contrary to Sections 120, 121 (1)(2) and 122 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Hindering or obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is another arm of government protected by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) from performing her constitutional duties.
“Appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation as prescribed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and other extant laws, but making the request for screening to persons other than the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Seizure of salaries, allowances as well as funds standing to the credit of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, contrary to Section 121(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws.
“Seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly – Mr Emeka Amadi.”
“Mr Speaker, we conclude by stating that the governor has shown that he is not prepared to govern Rivers State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and his oath of office.”
A similar notice which was served the deputy governor, accusing her of complicity in the alleged misconduct, read:
“That Her Excellency, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, supported and connived with Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor, Rivers State and refused to present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill, 2024 to the Rivers State House of Assembly, contrary to Section 121(1)(2) of the Constitution and disobeyed the order of the Federal High Court which declared that “thus as it stands in law, no Appropriation Bill of Rivers State has been presented neither has any of such Bill being passed into law as the purported presentation, passage and signing into law of the Appropriation Bill 2024 of Rivers State is void ab initio” and ordered him to present the Appropriation Bill 2024 to the House.
“That Her Excellency, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu DSSRS, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, supported or backed His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State in the State Executive Council meetings as they authorised or approved withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State in the 2024 financial year of Rivers State without an appropriation law duly passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, contrary to Section 120 of the Constitution.”
Amaewhule, in his letter addressed to the governor and deputy governor, acknowledged receipt of the letter from his colleagues, a copy of which was attached to his letter to the duo.
Amaewhule acknowledging the receipt of the letter by the governor and his deputy, urged them to respond to the said allegations accordingly.
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