Lawmakers in Nigeria’s Rivers State have launched impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Oduh, citing allegations of “gross misconduct.”
The move was formalised during a plenary session on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. According to a live broadcast by Channels Television, Majority Leader Major Jack presented a formal notice of allegations against the Governor, which was reportedly signed by 26 members of the House.
The lawmakers claim the Governor’s actions have breached the Nigerian Constitution.
Key developments:
- A Seven-Day Deadline: Speaker Amaewhule confirmed that the notice of impeachment will be served to Governor Fubara within the next seven days.
- Deputy also Targeted: The Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read a separate notice of allegations against Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.
- Political Tension: The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political crisis within the oil-rich state.
The 26-member majority in the assembly alleges that the Governor’s conduct constitutes a legal and constitutional violation, though specific details of the “gross misconduct” charges have yet to be fully debated in open session.
Under Nigerian law, an impeachment process involves a series of rigorous steps, including an investigation by a panel set up by the state’s Chief Judge, before a final vote can be taken by the Assembly.
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