The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Oduh.
The move was announced during a plenary session on Thursday, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, and broadcast live on Channels Television.
During the session, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Major Jack, read out a notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct levelled against the governor. According to him, the notice was endorsed by 26 lawmakers and anchored on provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
Speaker Amaewhule disclosed that the notice would be officially served on Governor Fubara within the next seven days, in line with constitutional requirements.
Citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, Jack outlined seven allegations against the governor. Among them are claims of extra-budgetary spending, the demolition of the Assembly Complex, and the alleged withholding of funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission. The lawmakers also accused the governor of refusing to comply with a Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to the legislature.
Similarly, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, presented a separate notice of allegations against Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.
According to the Assembly, Oduh is accused of reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstructing the House of Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties, and allegedly conspiring to allow unauthorised individuals to occupy government offices without proper legislative screening.
The lawmakers further alleged that the deputy governor sought budgetary approvals from an alternative group instead of the recognised Rivers State House of Assembly. Other accusations include the seizure of salaries and allowances meant for the Assembly and its Service Commission.
With the formal presentation of the notices, the impeachment process against both the governor and his deputy has now entered its preliminary constitutional stage.
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