The Rivers State House of Assembly has confirmed that
impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy,
Ngozi Odu, are currently underway, following the formal transmission of notices
of allegations to both officials.
In a statement dated January 9, 2026, and signed by
the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints,
Enemi George, the Assembly stated that the impeachment process is progressing
in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria (as amended).
According to the statement, the Speaker of the House
has forwarded two separate notices alleging gross misconduct against the
governor and his deputy, in line with Section 188 of the Constitution, and the
Assembly is now awaiting their official responses.
The lawmakers stressed their commitment to
safeguarding constitutional order, noting that they would not hesitate to act
against any public officer found to have violated constitutional provisions.
The Assembly also cautioned the public against
misinformation, urging Nigerians to disregard what it described as “cheap
blackmail,” while reaffirming its resolve to carry out its constitutional
responsibilities without intimidation.
The impeachment process was initiated during a plenary
session on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. During the
session, Majority Leader Major Jack presented the notice of allegations against
Governor Fubara, outlining seven counts of alleged gross misconduct.
The accusations include the demolition of the Assembly
complex, spending outside approved budgets, withholding funds meant for the
Assembly Service Commission, and alleged disobedience of a Supreme Court
judgment on legislative financial autonomy. The notice was endorsed by 26
lawmakers.
Speaker Amaewhule confirmed that the governor would be
officially notified within the timeframe prescribed by the Constitution.
Separately, Deputy Leader Linda Stewart presented a
notice of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. The allegations
against her include reckless and unconstitutional expenditure, interference
with legislative activities, and approving budgets outside the recognised House
of Assembly.
This development marks the second impeachment attempt
against Governor Fubara and his deputy within a year. A previous effort in
March 2025 was linked to political disagreements between the governor and his
predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the impeachment proceedings,
describing them as unnecessary and potentially destabilising. In a statement
signed by the party’s spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the APC acknowledged the
independence of the legislature but warned that the move could trigger
political instability in the state.
The party dismissed suggestions that the impeachment
was connected to budgetary issues, noting that a ?1.485 trillion budget had
already been approved by the National Assembly during the ongoing emergency
rule, which is expected to last until August 2026.
The APC urged the House of Assembly to halt the
impeachment process in the interest of peace, stability, and continued
development in Rivers State.
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