The Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA), led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has formally begun impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
In a dramatic escalation of the long-standing political crisis in the oil-rich state, the Assembly served notices of impeachment on both officials.
The notices cite multiple constitutional breaches, including reckless expenditure of public funds without legislative approval, obstruction of the Assembly’s functions, and unauthorized appointments bypassing required screening and confirmation.
The move comes amid heightened tensions rooted in the power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
The Amaewhule-led faction, comprising lawmakers loyal to Wike, has been at the center of ongoing disputes, including budget presentation issues and compliance with previous court rulings.
Legal experts emphasize that any impeachment process must strictly follow Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, requiring a two-thirds majority vote and investigation by a panel appointed by the Chief Judge.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, with renewed fears of instability in Rivers State. Security has been heightened in Port Harcourt, and stakeholders call for calm and adherence to the rule of law amid the ongoing feud.