The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Oduh, deepening the political crisis in the state.
The move was announced on Thursday during plenary, which was broadcast live on Channels Television and presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule. The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice of allegations accusing the governor of gross misconduct.
According to the Assembly, the notice was signed by twenty-six lawmakers, who alleged that Fubara had violated provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. Amaewhule said the notice would be formally served on the governor within seven days, in line with constitutional procedure.
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In a related development, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read a separate notice of allegations and claims of gross misconduct against the deputy governor, Professor Oduh, during the same sitting.
The Assembly did not disclose details of the specific allegations against either official during the session. However, the initiation of impeachment proceedings marks a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between the executive and the legislature in Rivers State.
More details are expected to emerge as events unfold.
