Rivers State Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara and Deputy

In a dramatic development, the Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, over alleged gross misconduct, including the failure to present the 2026 budget to the legislature.

The Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, explained that the impeachment process was triggered by the governor’s persistent refusal to present the state’s appropriation bill and to allow legislative input into budgetary matters—actions lawmakers described as impeachable offences under the Constitution.

Allegations Against the Governor and Deputy Governor

The process began with a motion moved by Deputy Speaker Hon. Dumle Maol and seconded by Hon. Silvernus Nwankwo. The Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack, read a notice of allegations against Governor Fubara, citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

The allegations against the governor include:

• Demolition of the Assembly complex,
• Extra-budgetary spending,
• Withholding of funds allocated to the Assembly Service Commission,
• Alleged refusal to comply with Supreme Court rulings on legislative financial autonomy.

Similarly, the Deputy Leader, Hon. Linda Stewart, presented allegations against the Deputy Governor, Prof. Odu, including:

• Reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds,
• Obstruction of the House from performing its constitutional duties,
• Allowing unauthorised persons to occupy offices without proper legislative screening,
• Seeking budgetary approval from entities other than the Rivers State House of Assembly,
• Seizure of salaries and allowances of the Assembly and Assembly Service Commission.

Speaker Amaewhule’s Comments

Addressing the House, Speaker Amaewhule stressed that the allegations centred largely on budget presentation and unauthorised expenditure.

“It is important that the process we are about to go through is in line with the provisions of the Constitution,” he said. “The particulars of these misconducts have a lot to do with the presentation of budget and spending outside the appropriation law.”

The Speaker insisted that Governor Fubara had shown no intention of presenting the 2026 budget, noting that Rivers State remains without an appropriation bill for the year—an unprecedented situation. He alleged that even when the Assembly approved a budget in 2023, the governor abandoned the appropriation law and awarded contracts outside the approved framework, undermining democratic governance and development in the state.

“Our schools are not functioning properly. Our youths are not being employed. Our roads are in poor condition, and our hospitals are not fully operational,” Amaewhule lamented. “Lawmakers have reached a point where enough is enough.”

The Speaker also claimed that President Bola Tinubu had intervened multiple times, urging the governor to comply with legal and constitutional obligations, but that such interventions were allegedly ignored.

Suspension of Budget Presentation

Concluding his remarks, Speaker Amaewhule declared that the House would not proceed with any action on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework or the 2026 appropriation bill until investigations into the allegations are concluded.

“Let the law take its course. The law has to take its course. We thank Mr. President. He has done his best. Mr. President has spoken to the governor and given him multiple chances, all of which were allegedly refused,” he stated.

He added, “By this motion, this House condemns the refusal of the governor to present the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the 2026 appropriation bill in line with Rivers State laws and the Constitution, as well as reckless spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The House will not proceed with any action until the investigation of gross misconduct levelled against the governor is completed.”

The Assembly subsequently adjourned proceedings on the impeachment process to January 15, 2026, as the investigation continues.

This marks a significant escalation in Rivers State politics, with serious implications for governance and the functioning of state institutions. Akahi News will continue to follow developments and provide updates on this unfolding story.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org

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