Rivers lawmakers serve misconduct notice to Fubara, deputy

The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as the Rivers State House of Assembly has officially served a notice of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The move, which aligns with constitutional provisions, further escalates tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.

According to the notice obtained by Channels Television, the lawmakers asserted that their action was in compliance with the Nigerian Constitution.

“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 Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office,” the document stated.

Following the issuance of the notice, Speaker Martins Amaewhule transmitted the allegations to Governor Fubara, highlighting that the accusations were endorsed by 26 lawmakers, which constitutes more than the one-third (1/3) requirement stipulated by law for such proceedings.

Amaewhule further directed Fubara to respond accordingly, referencing Section 188(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the next steps in the legislative process.

“Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement is made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegations contained in the notice), the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate, whether or not the allegation shall be investigated,” Amaewhule stated in his letter.

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The development is the latest in a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and loyalists of former Governor Nyesom Wike within the House of Assembly. Previous attempts by the legislature to impeach Fubara have resulted in heightened security tensions and physical confrontations in the state.

While Governor Fubara has yet to officially respond to the allegations, political analysts suggest that this move could either lead to his impeachment or force renewed negotiations between opposing factions within Rivers State’s political structure.

The crisis intensified after the Supreme Court recently upheld the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led Assembly, effectively nullifying all legislative actions taken by a rival faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.

One of the contentious issues remains the state’s 2025 budget, which Fubara had signed into law on January 2 after presenting it to the Oko-Jumbo faction. The Amaewhule-led lawmakers insist that the governor must re-submit the N1.1 trillion fiscal plans for their legislative scrutiny, further complicating the already heated political standoff.

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Amid these developments, former Governor Nyesom Wike has stated that he will not intervene to prevent the lawmakers from initiating impeachment proceedings against Fubara, signaling a possible shift in political alliances.

 As the 14-day constitutional deadline approaches, all eyes remain on Rivers State, with observers keenly watching whether this impasse will result in an impeachment or a truce.