THE political crisis in Rivers State intensified on Thursday as the State House of Assembly formally commenced fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, issuing them a seven-day ultimatum to respond to allegations of gross misconduct.
The impeachment notice, obtained by News Point Nigeria and signed by members of the Assembly, outlined eight allegations against the governor and his deputy, marking the third attempt to remove the current administration since it assumed office in 2023.
Previous impeachment efforts in 2023 and 2025 were stalled following political negotiations and interventions at the federal level, amid a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
On Thursday, lawmakers said the new impeachment process was in line with constitutional provisions, insisting that the allegations bordered on financial impropriety, abuse of office, and deliberate attempts to undermine the legislature.
According to the impeachment notice, the Assembly accused Governor Fubara of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, as well as the misappropriation of public resources without legislative approval.
The lawmakers further alleged that the governor deliberately hindered the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties by withholding funds and obstructing legislative operations.
Among the charges was the alleged illegal appointment of officials without the mandatory screening and confirmation by the House of Assembly, contrary to constitutional requirements.
The Assembly also accused the governor of seizing and withholding salaries and funds meant for lawmakers, as well as the salary of the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi.
Additionally, the impeachment notice alleged that Governor Fubara refused to implement constitutional provisions granting financial autonomy to the legislature and the judiciary, a move lawmakers said crippled their independence and operations.
Another allegation accused the governor of withholding funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, thereby hindering the commission from carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
The Assembly directed Governor Fubara and his deputy to submit written responses to the allegations within seven days, warning that failure to do so would compel the House to proceed with the impeachment process in accordance with the Constitution.
As of press time, there was no official reaction from the Rivers State Government or the Office of the Governor regarding the impeachment notice.
