The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of misconduct, citing financial mismanagement and obstruction of legislative activities.
In a notice sent to Speaker Martin Amaewhule on Monday, March 17, 26 lawmakers alleged that Fubara engaged in reckless spending, interfered with the Assembly’s functions, and appointed officials without proper screening.
Their action, they said, was based on “Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other existing laws.”
The lawmakers also accused the governor of withholding salaries and allowances meant for the Assembly, including the Clerk, Emeka Amadi.
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Odu, they claimed, “connived and supported the illegal appointment of persons to government positions without the required screening and confirmation.”
After receiving the notice, Amaewhule forwarded it to Fubara, pointing out that the allegations were raised by “not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
He asked the governor to respond, referencing Section 188(3) of the Constitution, which states, “Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice), the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate, whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.”
Amaewhule advised Fubara to act accordingly and extended his “esteemed regards.”