Dare Babalola
The Rivers State House of Assembly has presented notice of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Relying on Section 188 of the 1999 constitution as ammended and other extant laws, the Leader, Major Jack read the notice against the Governor while the Deputy Leader Linda Stewart read the notice against the deputy governor.
The major points in both notices revolve around non presentation of the Budget, spending state funds without legislative approval, withholding of salaries and funds accruing to the Rivers State House of Assembly, the clerk and the Assembly Service Commission, non screening of government appointments by entities other than the legitimate House of Assembly and the demolition of the assembly complex.
The 26 lawmakers allege that the governor and his deputy have shown that they lack capacity to perform Theo constitutional duties.
The speaker in his remark promised to deliver both notifies to the Governor and the Deputy within 7 days as required by law.
In March 2025, following a court’s verdict, there have been reports that the Assembly is targeting Fubara for impeachment. This is as the FCT minister Nyesom Wike, in a media live chat, said Fubara should be impeached if he has committed an impeachable offence.
“Politics is not play. If he has done something to be impeached, let them impeach him. It’s not a criminal offence,” Wike said.
The FCT minister defended his adherence to due process and justice and expressed disbelief that a small number of lawmakers could enact legislation and expect it to be upheld.
Also, the Chairman of the Rivers APC, Tony Okocha, called on the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara to resign or face impeachment.
Okocha made the call while describing the invitation of the 27 lawmakers to a meeting by Fubara as a ‘Greek gift’.
