Rivers Crises Deepens As Assembly Begins Impeachment Process Against Fubara, Deputy
Barikui Felix, Port Harcourt
Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have commenced impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
Recall that 26 members of the Assembly led by the speaker, Martin Amaehwule are loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, who has been ar loggerheads with Governor Fubara over control of the state.
Wike, speaking at a civic reception in his honour by his supporters at Abalama in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, said he would not stop members of the assembly from carrying out their constitutional role.
Members of the Assembly however, on Monday during a plenary passed a resolution raising impeachment allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The Assembly mandated the Clerk of the House to publish a letter alleging gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, in national dailies, pursuant to Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The letter, which was addressed to the speaker of the House, Martin Amaehwule, reads, “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we, the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a notice of gross misconduct by the Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of his office.
“The lawmakers accused Governor Fubara of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds contrary to Sections 120, 121 (1)(2) and 122 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
They alleged that the Governor from his actions, has shown that he is not prepared to govern the state in line with the constitution, citing the February 28 Supreme Court judgments against the State government.
“Mr. Speaker, we conclude by stating that the Governor has shown that he is not prepared to govern Rivers State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and his oath of office.
“The Supreme Court in Suit No.: SC/CVI1174/2024 condemned his actions when it stated that “the 8 respondents fear of impeachment by the House of Assembly is no justification for his attacks on the House of Assembly, the Constitution, theGovernment of Rivers State and the rule of law,” the statement read.
They further quoted the apex court to have ruled that, “Political disagreements cannot justify these attacks and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of a State or any person. What the 8 respondent has done is to destroy the government because of fear of being impeached.”
