iDeemlawful—Political tension intensified in Rivers State on Thursday as the State House of Assembly formally launched impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, outlining several allegations of gross misconduct against him and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
During plenary, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, acting on the instruction of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, presented a notice of misconduct detailing 10 allegations levelled against the governor.
The notice accused the governor of making appointments into offices and positions within the Rivers State Government without adhering to constitutional provisions requiring screening and confirmation by the House of Assembly.
Lawmakers also alleged the withholding of salaries, allowances and funds belonging to the “legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly,” purportedly contrary to Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended);
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Including the stoppage of the salary of the Clerk of the House, Mr. Emeka Amadi.
Further accusations include the governor’s alleged refusal to implement constitutional provisions guaranteeing financial autonomy for the Rivers State House of Assembly and the judiciary;
Withholding funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission and;
Obstructing the operations of a commission established under Part 2AA of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Other allegations cited were “attack and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of Rivers State or any person,” as well as “destroying the Government because of fear of being impeached.”
Speaking to lawmakers after the notice was read, Speaker Martins Amaewhule said: “The Majority Leader has just laid before the House the Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended in 1999. This particular letter was signed by 26 members of the River State House of Assembly, which the Majority Leader has read their names.
“Distinguished colleagues, I am now in receipt of this letter and pursuant to sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended, I will ensure that this letter is forwarded to His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of River State within seven days. Distinguished colleagues, I will do that. Rest assured, I will not renege. I will do my job in line with the Constitution.”
It will be recalled that the Rivers State House of Assembly had earlier in 2025 raised accusations against Governor Fubara, including alleged extra-budgetary expenditure, demolition of the Assembly complex, withholding funds due to the Assembly Service Commission, and claimed failure to comply with a Supreme Court directive on legislative autonomy.
The renewed impeachment effort, which also involves the deputy governor, has further escalated political tension in the state, sparking concerns about governance and stability in Rivers State.