The Rivers State House of Assembly has asked the state’s Chief Judge to constitute a panel to look into allegations of serious misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The decision was reached on Friday after all the lawmakers present voted in agreement, with the House making it clear that the impeachment process would move forward.
Earlier in the day, the legislators held a live press briefing in Port Harcourt where they accused the governor of engaging in blackmail.
Speaking during the briefing, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol said Fubara no longer had the confidence of the Assembly to resolve the political crisis in the state.
The lawmakers also alleged that the governor had violated provisions of the 1999 Constitution, insisting that impeachment was the only option left to them under the law.
They further claimed that both the governor and his deputy had attempted to intimidate the Assembly.
Despite the accusations, the House expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for stepping in to address the crisis.
The lawmakers also urged Speaker Martin Amaewhule to formally reconvene the Assembly.
Four members who had earlier called for dialogue and a political settlement later withdrew their position and announced their support for continuing the impeachment process.
After the press conference, the lawmakers returned to the chamber to begin a formal sitting.
During plenary, they unanimously approved a motion calling for an investigation into the allegations against the governor and his deputy.
“This voting clearly shows the decision of the House,” Amaewhule declared while calling on the Chief Judge of the state to set up an panel of investigation.
Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appealed to residents to remain calm as Rivers Assembly moves forward with impeachment proceedings against him.
