Rivers Assembly Gives Tight Condition to Tinubu to Stop Fubara's Impeachment

• President Bola Tinubu has been given the only condition that could prevent the impeachment proceedings of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State Assembly
• Enemi George, the spokesperson of the State House of Assembly, said that only a constitutional change could halt efforts to remove the state governor from his position
• Lawmakers accused Governor Fubara and his deputy of gross misconduct and financial irregularities, saying that impeachment notices would be served within one week

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has given a tough condition to President Bola Tinubu, should he want to intervene in the political crisis and stop impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Enemi George, the spokesperson of the assembly, stated that there was no going back on the move to sack the governor, adding that he has made the same errors repeatedly despite the president's intervention.

According to George, who spoke in an interview on TVC on Thursday, January 8, the only move that can make President Tinubu stop the impeachment process is to change the constitution of the country, failing which, the governor would be cast out.

Earlier in the day, Legit.ng reported that the political climate in Rivers State had shifted sharply as members of the state’s House of Assembly began impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

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The lawmakers accused both leaders of gross misconduct, citing breaches of constitutional duties and financial irregularities.

Allegations levelled against Governor Siminalayi Fubara

During plenary, which was presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, read out a notice of allegations against Governor Fubara.

He stated that the charges were brought under Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution and outlined seven points of alleged misconduct, which include:

• Demolition of the Assembly Complex
• Extra budgetary spending
• Withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission
• Refusing to obey the Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the House.

26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly reportedly signed the impeachment notice, with the Speaker confirming that the notice would be served to the governor within seven days.

Allegations against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu

Following the notice against Fubara, Deputy Leader Linda Stewart presented a separate notice of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

The allegations included:

• Reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds
• Obstruction of the House of Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties under the 1999 Constitution
• Coniving to allow unauthorised persons to occupy offices without proper screening by the Assembly
• Approaching another group for budgetary approval instead of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly
• Seizure of salaries and allowances meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission.

See George's comment on X below:

APC: Wike must resign over Rivers crisis

Legit.ng earlier reported that Ajibola Basiru, the national secretary of the APC, had criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital, Nyesom Wike, and urged him to focus on politics in Rivers.

He expressed unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid his tensions with the FCT Minister, with their deepening rift frequently making the headlines ahead of the 2027 elections.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.