Rivers Assembly Lists ‘10 Sins’ as Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara Begin

Political tension in Rivers State deepened on Thursday as the State House of Assembly formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of multiple acts of gross misconduct. The move, which also implicates the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, marks a significant escalation in the long-running power struggle that has dominated the state’s political landscape.

During plenary, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, acting on the directive of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, read out a detailed Notice of Allegations outlining ten separate accusations against the governor. The notice, which was signed by 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, was presented pursuant to Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which governs the impeachment of a sitting governor.

According to the lawmakers, one of the central allegations against Governor Fubara is his alleged appointment of individuals into government offices and positions without complying with constitutional requirements for legislative screening and confirmation. The Assembly contends that these actions undermined its constitutional role and violated established procedures designed to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

Another major allegation involves the alleged seizure and withholding of salaries, allowances, and operational funds due to what the lawmakers described as the “legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.” The notice claims that this action contravenes Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the financial independence of the legislature. In the same vein, the Assembly accused the governor of unlawfully withholding the salary of the Clerk of the House, Mr. Emeka Amadi.

The legislators further alleged that Governor Fubara has persistently refused to implement constitutional provisions relating to the financial autonomy of both the Rivers State House of Assembly and the judiciary. They accused the executive arm of government of deliberately starving key institutions of funds, including the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, thereby crippling their operations and weakening democratic governance in the state.

Additional allegations listed in the notice include claims that the governor frustrated the activities of a constitutional commission established under Part 2AA of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The Assembly also accused the governor of showing “contempt for the rule of law,” alleging that his actions and decisions, or those carried out by persons acting on his behalf, amounted to deliberate attacks on constitutional order.

In more dramatic language, the notice further accused the governor of “destroying the government because of fear of being impeached,” suggesting that some of his decisions were motivated by political survival rather than the public interest.

After the notice was read, Speaker Martins Amaewhule addressed his colleagues, confirming that the House had formally received the allegations. He assured lawmakers that the impeachment process would strictly follow constitutional provisions.

“The Majority Leader has just laid before the House the Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” the Speaker said. “This letter was duly signed by 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. In line with the Constitution, I will ensure that this notice is forwarded to His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, within seven days.”

Amaewhule further pledged that the Assembly would not deviate from due process. “Rest assured, I will not renege. I will do my job in line with the Constitution,” he added.

This latest development is not the first confrontation between the Assembly and the governor. Earlier in 2025, the House had raised similar concerns, accusing Governor Fubara of extra-budgetary spending, the demolition of the State Assembly complex, the withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged non-compliance with a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy.

The renewed impeachment move has intensified political uncertainty in Rivers State, fueling concerns among residents and observers about governance, stability, and the future of democratic institutions in the state. While supporters of the Assembly argue that the lawmakers are exercising their constitutional oversight powers, critics view the process as politically motivated, rooted in the prolonged feud between Governor Fubara and powerful political interests within and outside the state.

As the impeachment process unfolds, all eyes remain on Rivers State, where the outcome could have far-reaching implications not only for the current administration but also for the balance of power, rule of law, and democratic governance in one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states.