The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy following the presentation of notices alleging gross misconduct.
The notices were presented during plenary in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other relevant laws guiding impeachment proceedings.
Leading the motion, the Leader of the House, Major Jack, read out the allegations against Governor Fubara, while the Deputy Leader, Linda Stewart, presented the notice of impeachment against the Deputy Governor.
According to the lawmakers, the governor and his deputy were accused of several constitutional violations, including failure to present the state budget to the House of Assembly and the expenditure of public funds without legislative approval.
The Assembly also alleged that the executive arm withheld salaries and statutory allocations meant for the House of Assembly, the Office of the Clerk, and the Assembly Service Commission.
Other accusations include the appointment of government officials without proper screening and confirmation by what the lawmakers described as the “legitimate” House of Assembly, as well as the alleged demolition of the Assembly complex.
The 26 lawmakers supporting the impeachment maintained that the actions of the governor and his deputy amount to gross misconduct and demonstrate an inability to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House assured members that the impeachment notices would be formally served on both the governor and the deputy governor within seven days, as required by law.
