UPDATED: Rivers Assembly Accuses Fubara, Deputy of Gross Misconduct

Rivers State Assembly members level fresh allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, escalating political tensions.

The political crisis in Rivers escalated on Monday when lawmakers from the oil-rich state accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of gross misconduct.

Twenty-six members of the Rivers Assembly brought forth the allegations in two letters addressed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, which were subsequently forwarded to Fubara and his deputy.

They stated that the action adhered to “Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as other relevant laws,” which require such allegations to be signed by at least one-third of House members and detail specific instances of misconduct.

The letters, endorsed by the 26 lawmakers, were submitted during Monday’s plenary session in accordance with Section 188 of the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1999. The Speaker must ensure that these notices are delivered to both the office holders and all members of the House within seven days after receiving them.

The notices, which described five distinct instances of gross misconduct, were separately addressed to both the governor and the deputy governor.

The lawmakers charged Fubara with several violations, including the reckless and unconstitutional use of public funds. They also accused him of hindering or obstructing the activities of the Rivers State House of Assembly, an independent arm of government, as well as appointing individuals to positions within the Rivers State Government without adhering to mandatory screening and confirmation processes.

Additional allegations against the Rivers governor involve withholding salaries, allowances, and funds owed to the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly. Furthermore, there is an accusation of seizing the salary of Emeka Amadi, who serves as Clerk for the assembly.

They further alleged that Odu was “collaborating and endorsing the unauthorized appointment of individuals to hold roles within the Rivers State Government without adhering to the necessary screening and confirmation process.”

Meanwhile, on Monday, Amaewhule formally sent the notices to Governor Fubara and his deputy. He stated that the allegations were brought forth by “no fewer than one-third (1/3) of the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

In the letter forwarding the claims, Speaker Amaewhule requested a response to the charges outlined in the “Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct.”

In carrying out this action, please refer to Section 188(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which states: “Within 14 days after presenting a notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly—regardless if any statement is made by the officeholder in response to an alleged accusation—the House must decide through a motion without debate whether or not to investigate,” stated the speaker in a letter addressed to Fubara.

Monday’s development marks a notable turn in the political tensions within Rivers State. However, it remains uncertain how Governor Fubara and his deputy will address these allegations or manage the increasing pressure from the state’s legislative branch.

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST FUBARA, DEP. GOV