The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday formally unveiled eight allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, setting the stage for the commencement of impeachment proceedings that have further heightened political tension in the state.
The allegations were read during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, where the Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented the notice accusing the governor of constitutional breaches, financial impropriety and deliberate obstruction of legislative functions.
A total of twenty-six lawmakers endorsed the impeachment notice, which the Assembly said was firmly anchored on provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Announcing the formal commencement of the process, Speaker Amaewhule said the notice of allegations would be served on Governor Fubara within seven days, in line with constitutional requirements.
“This House has acted strictly within the confines of the Constitution in initiating this process,” Amaewhule said during the session.
Details of the Allegations
According to the notice, the eight allegations against Governor Fubara include:
- Reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds without legislative approval.
- Unconstitutional misappropriation of public funds, allegedly in violation of due process and budgetary laws.
- Obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties, thereby undermining legislative oversight.
- Illegal appointment of individuals into public offices without screening or confirmation by the House, as required by the Constitution.
- Withholding and seizure of salaries and statutory entitlements of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
- Withholding of salaries and entitlements of the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi, contrary to civil service rules.
- Refusal to implement constitutional provisions on the financial autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary, despite clear legal backing.
- Withholding of funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, allegedly crippling its operations and administrative functions.
Political Context
The impeachment move comes amid a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly that are loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, a crisis that has revolved around budget presentation, control of legislative finances, and the autonomy of the legislature.
The standoff has disrupted governance in the state which culminated in the declaration of state of emergency by President Tinubu which lasted for six months.
Under constitutional procedure, Governor Fubara is expected to formally respond to the allegations once served. The House will then determine whether to advance the process to the next stage.
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
