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Rivers lawmakers begin impeachment move, accuse Fubara, deputy of misconduct

The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of gross misconduct.

26 members of the House raised the allegation in a notice sent to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, a copy of which was obtained on Monday, March 17, 2025.

The lawmakers said the action was “in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws.”

They accused Fubara, among other things, of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, hindering or obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly which is another arm of the government, and the appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation.

Other accusations against the governor include the seizure of salaries, allowances, and funds standing to the credit of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly and the seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi.

The lawmakers also accused Odu of “conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation.”

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Upon receipt of the notice, Amaewhule forwarded the same to Fubara and said the allegation was raised by “not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

Amaewhule, in a letter forwarded to Fubara, asked the governor to “reply to the allegations made against you in the said ‘Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct’ accordingly.”

The Speaker added: “In doing this, your attention is drawn to the provisions of Section 188(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides thus: ‘Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice) the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated’.

“Please be guided accordingly and do accept my esteemed regards.”

The Star