File image: Martins Amaewhule, Speaker,Rivers State House of Assembly
By Deborah Nnamdi
Political tension in Rivers State heightened on Thursday as the State House of Assembly formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
The decision followed a plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, during which the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read a notice of allegations against the governor. The notice, signed by 26 lawmakers, was presented in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
Jack outlined seven allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature.
After the notice was read, Speaker Amaewhule announced that the allegations would be formally served on the governor within seven days, in accordance with legislative procedure.
The impeachment process was also extended to the deputy governor as the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read a separate notice of allegations against Ngozi Odu. The accusations against the deputy governor include alleged reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstruction of the House from carrying out its constitutional duties, and connivance in allowing unauthorised persons to occupy government offices without proper screening by the Assembly.
Other allegations include approaching an alternative group for budgetary approval instead of the recognised House of Assembly, as well as the alleged seizure of salaries and allowances due to the Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission.
The twin impeachment moves mark a significant escalation in the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, raising concerns over governance and stability as the constitutional process unfolds.
