In a significant escalation of political tensions, the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu of gross misconduct. This development, announced on March 17, 2025, initiates potential impeachment proceedings against the state's top executives.
Allegations Against the Governor and Deputy Governor
The Assembly's notice, endorsed by a majority of its members, cites multiple constitutional breaches by Governor Fubara:
1. Unauthorized Appointments: The governor is alleged to have appointed 19 commissioners without the mandatory screening and confirmation by the Assembly, contravening Section 192(2) & (6) of the 1999 Constitution.
2. Improper Swearing-In of Officials: Fubara reportedly swore in members of the Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement and the Local Government Service Commission without legislative approval, violating state laws.
3. Budgetary Non-Compliance: The governor failed to present the 2025 budget within the stipulated timeframe, as mandated by the Supreme Court, hindering the state's fiscal operations.
The notice also implicates Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu in these constitutional violations, holding her accountable for her role in the administration.
Political Underpinnings and Reactions
This move by the Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, is perceived as aligning with former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Wike has publicly endorsed the Assembly's actions, asserting their constitutional right to hold the executive accountable.
In response, the Rivers State Government, through Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo, denied receiving any official communication from the Assembly, suggesting a breakdown in formal channels between the legislative and executive branches.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
The Assembly's actions are grounded in Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the process for impeaching a governor or deputy governor on grounds of gross misconduct. The procedure involves:
1. Notice of Allegations: A written notice signed by at least one-third of Assembly members, detailing the misconduct allegations.
2. Service of Notice: The Speaker must serve the notice to the governor and all Assembly members within seven days.
3. Governor's Response: The governor has the right to respond to the allegations.
4. Investigation Committee: If the Assembly resolves by a two-thirds majority to investigate, a seven-member panel is appointed to examine the allegations.
5. Impeachment Decision: If the panel substantiates the allegations, the governor or deputy governor can be removed from office by a two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly.
Historical Context and Implications
This is not the first instance of impeachment proceedings in Rivers State. In October 2023, the Assembly initiated similar actions against Governor Fubara, which were later withdrawn in December 2023 following a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The recurrence of such proceedings underscores persistent political instability in the state. The current allegations, if proven, could lead to the unprecedented simultaneous removal of both the governor and deputy governor, plunging the state into deeper political uncertainty.
Conclusion
The Rivers State House of Assembly's recent notice of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu marks a critical juncture in the state's political landscape. As the impeachment process unfolds, stakeholders and citizens alike await developments that will significantly impact the governance and stability of Rivers State.
Keywords: Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, gross misconduct, impeachment proceedings, Rivers State House of Assembly, constitutional violations, political crisis, Nyesom Wike.
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