Tension has taken over Rivers State as the House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule and known for its loyalty to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, sent a notice accusing the governor of misconduct.
The process officially began after 26 lawmakers signed a letter on March 14, 2025, listing several allegations against Fubara.
Amaewhule formally forwarded the notice to the governor and his deputy on March 17, marking the first step in the impeachment process.
The impeachment notice sighted by News About Nigeria listed 19 allegations against Fubara, including financial mismanagement and obstruction of legislative activities.
Lawmakers accused him of approving government appointments without following constitutional requirements and withholding salaries and allowances meant for the Assembly.
They also claimed he ignored court orders regarding the state budget.
The deputy governor was also accused of supporting the alleged misconduct.
Speaker Amaewhule, in his letter to Fubara, called for a response to the allegations within the timeframe set by the constitution.
According to the law, the Assembly must decide within 14 days whether to proceed with an investigation.
The lawmakers argued that Fubara has failed in his duty and should no longer govern the state.
In response, Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, criticized the lawmakers, saying their actions were causing hardship for civil servants and retirees.
He warned that the impasse could lead to a financial crisis as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation had been instructed to withhold revenue allocations until the legal disputes were settled.
Johnson also stated that Fubara was ready to comply with the Supreme Court ruling but was being blocked by the Assembly.
