Why Rivers State lawmakers have begun fresh impeachment moves against Fubara
Rivers State lawmakers on Thursday began fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing allegations of gross misconduct as the basis for the renewed move.
The impeachment process was initiated during plenary at the Rivers State House of Assembly, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. The Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally presented a notice of allegations against the governor in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
According to the lawmakers, the decision to reopen impeachment proceedings against Fubara stems from seven alleged acts of gross misconduct. These include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary expenditure, and the withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission.
The allegations also include the governor’s alleged refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to the Rivers State House of Assembly, a development the lawmakers said undermines the legislature’s constitutional authority.
The notice of impeachment, which was signed by 26 members of the Assembly, was accepted by the Speaker, who said it would be transmitted to Governor Fubara within seven days as required by law.
During the same sitting, the Deputy Leader of the House, Linda Stewart, presented a separate notice of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, explaining why lawmakers are also seeking her impeachment.
Odu was accused of reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstructing the Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties, seeking budgetary approval outside the recognised legislature, and enabling unauthorised persons to occupy public offices.
The latest impeachment move is the second against Fubara and his deputy in less than a year, following a similar attempt in March 2025 that triggered a political crisis in the state and led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency before the governor later returned to office after reconciliation efforts.
