Rivers Assembly Moves to Impeach Governor Fubara, Deputy

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, escalating the political tension within the state.

During a plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Majority Leader Major Jack presented a notice of gross misconduct against the governor pursuant to Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. The allegations include the unauthorized demolition of the Assembly complex, repeated extra-budgetary expenditures, failure to release statutory funds to the Assembly Service Commission, and non-compliance with Supreme Court decisions on legislative financial autonomy.

Lawmakers showed strong backing for the move, with 26 members signing the notice. Speaker Amaewhule confirmed that the impeachment notice would be served on Governor Fubara within the constitutionally required seven days.

Shortly after, the Assembly turned its attention to the deputy governor. Deputy Leader Linda Stewart submitted a separate notice accusing Prof. Odu of gross misconduct, citing alleged unconstitutional spending, interference with legislative duties, and collaboration in allowing unvetted individuals to assume public offices without proper legislative screening.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara is facing his third impeachment attempt since assuming office in 2023. The latest development comes amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State linked to allegations by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike that the governor violated a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu.