Rivers Assembly Suspends Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy

The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Lawmakers made the decision during Thursday’s plenary session after the process ran into legal and political hurdles.

Ongoing court cases and consultations made it difficult for the Assembly to move forward.

The impeachment effort began in January when members of the Assembly accused the governor and his deputy of serious misconduct.

At the time, during a session led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Majority Leader Major Jack presented a notice listing seven allegations against the governor under Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The claims included the demolition of the Assembly complex, spending funds outside the approved budget, withholding money meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and failing to comply with a Supreme Court judgment on the financial independence of the legislature.

A total of 26 lawmakers signed the notice, which was to be served on the governor.

Deputy Leader Linda Stewart also submitted claims against Ngozi Odu, alleging that she approved spending without proper authorization, interfered with the work of the Assembly, passed budgets through improper channels, and withheld salaries and allowances.

However, the impeachment move soon faced legal setbacks.

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, refused the Assembly’s request to set up the required seven-member investigative panel.

The judge explained that there was already a court order stopping any further action.

That restraining order was issued on January 16, by Justice Florence A. Fiberesima of the Rivers State High Court.

The ruling restrained the Chief Judge, the Speaker, and the Clerk of the House from taking additional steps on the impeachment.

The governor and his deputy had gone to court to challenge the legality of the process.

The impeachment attempt also drew criticism from the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which described it as unnecessary and capable of creating instability.

The development sparked reactions from different political groups and members of the public.

KanyiDaily recalls that Governor Siminalayi Fubara said that what people see as weakness in him is actually a deliberate choice to maintain peace and stability in Rivers state.