Rivers State House of Assembly has formally asked the state’s Chief Judge to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The resolution was reached on Friday following a unanimous vote by members of the Assembly, who insisted that the impeachment process against the governor and his deputy would continue.
Earlier, the lawmakers addressed a live press conference in Port Harcourt, where they accused Governor Fubara of employing alleged blackmail tactics and undermining legislative authority. Speaking on behalf of the Assembly, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol said the governor no longer enjoyed the confidence required to manage the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Maol accused the governor of violating provisions of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that the Assembly had been left with no option but to exercise its constitutional powers. He further alleged that both the governor and his deputy had attempted to intimidate lawmakers.
While acknowledging the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in efforts to resolve the crisis, the lawmakers maintained that impeachment remained the only viable solution.
“It is clear that the only remedy available under the 1999 Constitution, as amended, is the impeachment of the governor and his deputy,” Maol said. “We appeal to leaders at all levels and the people of Rivers State to understand that this process is necessary at this stage.”
He also urged the Speaker to allow constitutional procedures to proceed without obstruction, noting that despite presidential efforts, the governor and his deputy had remained unyielding.
The Assembly further called on Speaker Martin Amaewhule to reconvene the House. In a notable development, four lawmakers who had previously advocated a political resolution withdrew their earlier position and announced their support for the impeachment process.
Following the press conference, lawmakers proceeded to the Assembly chambers, where plenary resumed. During the session, members unanimously endorsed the call for an investigation into the allegations against the governor and his deputy.
Declaring the outcome of the vote, Speaker Amaewhule said the decision reflected the collective will of the House and formally urged the Chief Judge to set up a panel to investigate the matter.
