A fresh political storm is brewing in Rivers State, as 26 members of the State House of Assembly have formally accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of gross misconduct — a significant move that may trigger impeachment proceedings.
The notice, dated March 14, 2025, and signed by 26 lawmakers — more than the one-third threshold required by law — was forwarded to the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, on Monday, March 17, 2025, by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule.
Citing Section 188(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Speaker notified the Deputy Governor that the House had received a formal notice of allegation of gross misconduct against the Governor. While the content of the specific allegations remains undisclosed in the forwarded letter, the accompanying documentation includes a strong statement by the lawmakers justifying their actions.
In the conclusion of the notice, the legislators referenced a Supreme Court ruling (Suit No. SC/CV/1174/2024), which condemned executive interference in legislative functions, and accused the Governor of undermining the rule of law out of fear of being impeached.
“Political disagreements cannot justify these attacks and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of a State… What the 8th respondent has done is to destroy the government because of fear of being impeached,” the statement reads.
The lawmakers’ signatures span various constituencies across Rivers State, including key political figures such as Hon. Dumle Maol (Gokana), Hon. Major Jack (Akuku-Toru I), Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart (Okrika), and Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni I). The documents show that all 26 lawmakers signed between March 14 and 15, 2025.
The Speaker emphasized that, under Section 188(3) of the Constitution, the House is required to decide by resolution within 14 days — with or without debate or any response from the Governor — whether the allegation should be investigated.
This move is the latest escalation in the protracted political crisis between Governor Fubara and members of the Rivers Assembly, which has simmered since late 2023 amid disputes over control of the legislature, local governance, and state resources.
As of the time of this report, neither the Governor’s office nor his aides have issued an official response.
