The political crisis in Rivers State deepened this Monday as members of the State House of Assembly accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of gross misconduct.
In a notice to be published in three national dailies, the 27 state assembly members, accused the governor of violating the Nigerian Constitution and his oath of office.
In a statement signed by multiple lawmakers, the assembly criticized the governor’s alleged disregard for constitutional provisions, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment in Suit No.: SC/CV/1174/2024, which condemned his actions.
In the judgement under reference, the apex court ruled that “the 8th respondent’s fear of impeachment by the House of Assembly is no justification for his attacks on the House, the Constitution, the Government of Rivers State, and the rule of law.”
READ ALSO: Rivers Group gives condition for Fubara’s impeachment
The ruling further stated that political disagreements should not justify unconstitutional actions by a sitting governor.
The statement was endorsed by several lawmakers, including: Rt. Hon. Dumle Mao (Gokana Constituency), Hon. Major Jack (Akuku-Toru Constituency), Hon. Linda Somiari Stewart (Okrika Constituency), Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochiie (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency), Hon. Christopher Ofiks Kagbang (Andoni Constituency) and Hon. Azeru Opara.
The lawmakers declared that Governor Fubara’s actions have weakened governance in the state and called for accountability.
Deputy Governor Served Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, officially forwarded a notice of allegations of gross misconduct to the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
The notice, dated March 14, 2025, was signed by 26 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional requirement of, at least one-third of the Assembly’s membership, to initiate impeachment proceedings.
In his letter to the Deputy Governor, Speaker Amaewhule referenced Section 188 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stating that the allegations must be responded to within 14 days.
The letter further reminded the Deputy Governor of Section 188(3), which requires the House to decide by motion whether the allegations should be investigated, regardless of whether a defense is submitted.
The latest development signals an escalating power struggle within the Rivers State government, with implications for governance and political stability in the state.
