The Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a significant step towards potential impeachment proceedings by issuing a notice of “gross misconduct” against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Martins Wachukwu, special assistant on media to Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers assembly, confirmed the development.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the governor and the assembly, particularly over the passage of the Amended State’s Procurement Bill.
The allegation which marks the process of impeaching Fubara and Odu was made by 26 lawmakers in a formal notice submitted to the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.
The legislators said their action was in accordance with constitutional provisions.
“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 notice obtained by Channels Television on Monday read.
The lawmakers levelled several allegations against the governor, including what they described as reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstruction of the legislative arm of government, and making appointments into state positions without legislative screening and confirmation.
They also accused Fubara of withholding salaries, allowances, and funds meant for the legitimate House of Assembly, as well as the salary of the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi
Following receipt of the notice, Speaker Amaewhule forwarded the document to Governor Fubara, stating that the allegations were raised by 26 lawmakers, “which is not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
He urged the governor to respond to the allegations as stipulated by law.
“In doing this, your attention is drawn to the provisions of Section 188(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides thus: ‘Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice) the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate, whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.’
“Please be guided accordingly and do accept my esteemed regards.”
The “gross misconduct” is the first step in the impeachment process, as outlined in Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The notice must be signed by at least one-third of the members of the State House of Assembly and presented to the Speaker.
Gross misconduct is defined as a grave violation or breach of the Constitution, or misconduct that’s considered severe enough to warrant impeachment.
