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 process was initiated during plenary, with lawmakers invoking Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, alongside other relevant laws guiding impeachment procedures.
The Leader of the House, Major Jack, read the notice of allegations against the Governor, while the Deputy Leader, Linda Stewart, presented the notice against the Deputy Governor.
According to the lawmakers, the allegations stem from what they described as repeated constitutional breaches and actions that undermine legislative authority.
Allegations Listed Against Governor And Deputy
The notices accused the Governor and his deputy of failing to present the state budget to the House for consideration and approval, contrary to constitutional provisions.
They were also accused of authorising expenditure of state funds without legislative approval, an act lawmakers described as a serious violation of financial oversight rules.
Other allegations include the withholding of salaries and statutory allocations meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Clerk of the Assembly, and the Assembly Service Commission.
Lawmakers further alleged that the Governor blocked the screening of government appointees by what they described as the legitimate House of Assembly.
The demolition of the Assembly complex was also cited as part of the alleged misconduct.
Lawmakers Cite Loss Of Constitutional Capacity
The 26 legislators sponsoring the notice argued that the actions of the Governor and his deputy amount to an inability to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
They claimed the conduct of the executive arm has weakened legislative functions and disrupted governance in the state.
The Speaker of the House said the Assembly would comply strictly with constitutional timelines in handling the impeachment process.
He assured that both notices would be formally served on the Governor and Deputy Governor within seven days, as required by law.
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