By Philomina Brando
The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odum, accusing them of gross misconduct in a deepening political crisis that has gripped the state.
At a tense plenary session on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, laid before the House a notice of allegations against the governor in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
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The accusations against Mr Fubara include the demolition of the Assembly complex, alleged excessive and unauthorised budgetary spending, the withholding of statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and failure to comply with a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legislature’s financial autonomy.
Twenty-six lawmakers endorsed the notice, which, according to the Speaker, will be served on the governor within seven days, marking the formal start of the impeachment process.
In a related move, the Deputy Leader of the House, Linda Stewart, presented separate allegations against the deputy governor, Ngozi Odum. She is accused of reckless expenditure of public funds, obstructing the legislative functions of the Assembly, and permitting unauthorised persons to occupy official positions.
Additional claims against the deputy governor include allegedly seeking budgetary approvals from bodies not recognised by law and the seizure of salaries belonging to the Assembly Service Commission.
If sustained, the allegations could trigger the constitutionally prescribed steps that may lead to the removal of both officeholders, setting the stage for a major political showdown in Rivers State.