Fresh trouble for Fubara, Deputy Gov as Rivers Assembly files impeachment notice
…Stop playing politics with future of the people — State Govt claps back
…Assembly’s actions risk plunging rivers into crisis, stall progress — Information Commissioner
The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a formal notice of alleged misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, signalling the commencement of a potential impeachment process.
In a document obtained by journalists on Monday, 26 lawmakers outlined multiple accusations against the governor and his deputy, asserting that their actions contravened the Nigerian Constitution. The notice invokes Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which sets out the legal framework for impeachment.
Among the allegations are claims of “reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds” and “impeding the operations of the Assembly,” which lawmakers argue have disrupted the effective functioning of the government. The impeachment notice follows a series of legal disputes surrounding the governor’s administration.
A key allegation against Governor Fubara is his failure to present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill for 2024, despite a Federal High Court order. The court had ruled that the Appropriation Bill was void and directed the governor to submit it to the Assembly for approval.
The lawmakers further accused the governor of disregarding the Supreme Court’s ruling in February 2025, which reaffirmed that Fubara had not presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill and had unlawfully authorised withdrawals from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund without legislative approval.
“On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Assembly, directing the Central Bank of Nigeria to withhold funds from the Rivers State Government until an Appropriation Law was enacted by the Assembly,” the impeachment notice stated.
Additionally, the legislators accused the governor of obstructing the Assembly’s operations by demolishing the House of Assembly complex in December 2023, a move strongly criticised by the judiciary.
The Federal High Court ruling on the matter stated: “It is deeply concerning that the governor would go to the extent of preventing the legitimate House of Assembly from convening through such calculated actions, including the destruction of the Assembly complex.”
Other allegations include claims that the governor made illegal appointments without the necessary screening and approval by the Assembly, in direct violation of constitutional provisions.
Tensions between the executive and legislative branches have been escalating since the Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling, which affirmed the legitimacy of the current Rivers State House of Assembly leadership, under Speaker Martin Amaewhule, intensifying the ongoing political conflict.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has fiercely criticised the House of Assembly for allegedly obstructing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s efforts to comply with the Supreme Court ruling, accusing the legislature of deliberately undermining governance.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Joe Johnson, Commissioner for Information and Communications, alleged that the Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, had intentionally created roadblocks to prevent the governor from executing the court’s decision. The ruling had mandated the governor to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the legislature.
Johnson stated that despite the governor’s readiness to comply with the judgment, the Assembly deliberately refused to accept key documents, including the budget. He revealed that when Governor Fubara sent a formal letter notifying the Assembly of his intention to present the budget on March 19, 2025, the letter was rejected, with reports confirming that Assembly staff refused to receive the documents.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly has, through its actions, consistently frustrated the governor’s attempts to implement the Supreme Court’s verdict. This obstruction is detrimental to the state’s progress and could push Rivers into an unnecessary crisis,” Johnson remarked.
He further argued that the Assembly’s refusal to cooperate was preventing the governor from fulfilling his constitutional duties, particularly the timely presentation of the state budget, which is essential for maintaining public services, including the payment of salaries and pensions.
Johnson also refuted allegations made by Dr Enemi George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, who had accused the governor of intentionally delaying the execution of the Supreme Court judgment. He asserted that it was, in fact, the Assembly’s resistance that had caused the delay.
“The misleading claims being circulated are creating confusion and making it harder for the governor to carry out his duties. Governor Fubara has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and has taken every step required to comply with the court’s order,” Johnson stated.
The Commissioner for Information warned that the Assembly’s actions were politically driven and financially damaging to the people of Rivers State. He pointed out that both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation had already suspended revenue allocations to the state until the judgment was fully implemented. This, he noted, could severely disrupt essential government services, including salary payments and pension disbursements.
“Without the cooperation of the House, the state risks financial instability. Civil servants, retirees, and residents will bear the brunt of this political deadlock if a resolution is not reached swiftly,” Johnson warned.
The Rivers State Government called on the House of Assembly to end its obstruction and work constructively with the governor to facilitate compliance with the Supreme Court ruling. It also urged the public to be wary of false narratives and to rely on official sources for accurate updates on the evolving political situation.
Furthermore, the state government has accused the House of Assembly of deliberately stalling the state’s progress by rejecting Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s budget proposal and spreading misleading information to weaken public confidence in his administration.
