Dare Babalola
The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally requested the state’s Chief Judge to launch an investigation into Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing allegations of gross misconduct, as the political crisis in the state deepens, with the assembly citing specific concerns that warrant the probe.
The decision was taken during plenary on Friday, with 25 lawmakers voting in favour of the motion to forward the matter to the chief judge for further probe, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The governor and his deputy are accused of budget irregularities, skipping the 2026 budget presentation, spending public funds without approval, withholding funds meant for the legislature, and other alleged gross misconduct.
Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, who chaired the session, instructed the House Clerk to notify the Chief Judge ASAP to set up a 7-member panel to probe the allegations.
The development marks the next procedural step in the ongoing impeachment proceedings initiated earlier this month on January 8, when the assembly served notices of allegations on Fubara and Odu.
Earlier, four members of the House who earlier withdrew from the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara made a u-turn.
Recall that the lawmakers a few days ago withdrew their support for the impeachment proceedings against the governor.
The Minority Leader of the House, Sylvanus Nwankwo, representing Omuma State Constituency and Peter Abbey, representing Degema State Constituency, withdrew from the impeachment move, and similarly appealed to their colleagues to halt it.
Subsequently, the Deputy Minority Leader, Barile Nwakoh, who represents Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi, who represents Obio/Akpor Constituency II followed suit.
However, during a press conference on Friday, held by the State House of Assembly members, the four lawmakers said the governor has not shown any reason for them to back down.
