Rivers State House of Assembly says the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Ngozi Odu is ongoing and constitutionally backed
Impeachment of Gov Fubara Ongoing, Rivers Assembly Declares
The Rivers State House of Assembly has declared that the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, is progressing as stipulated by law, dismissing claims that the exercise has been halted.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday, stressing that the Assembly is acting strictly within the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
According to George, the impeachment move is being carried out pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution, which empowers state legislatures to initiate proceedings against a governor or deputy governor over allegations of gross misconduct.
He disclosed that the two separate notices of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his Deputy have already been transmitted to them by the Speaker of the House.
“The two notices of allegations of gross misconduct brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution against the Governor and Deputy have been forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House while we await their responses,” George said.
He emphasised that the Rivers State House of Assembly remains constitutionally empowered and duty-bound to protect the sanctity of the Constitution and hold the executive accountable.
“It is the House of Assembly that is empowered by the Constitution to stand by the people and stop infractions on the Constitution by the Governor, Deputy Governor or any other officer of the Rivers State Government,” he stated.
George also dismissed reports suggesting that the impeachment process had been suspended, accusing unnamed individuals and media platforms of deliberately misleading the public.
“We are aware that certain persons and media platforms are at it again to misinform the public particularly to the effect that the process has been halted or discontinued. Some are trending false narratives to cause disaffection between the House and well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.
Calling for public vigilance, the lawmaker urged Rivers residents to ignore what he described as attempts to derail the Assembly through misinformation and intimidation.
“With the leave of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS, I call on all and sundry to disregard their antics, as their actions have already failed. We remain committed to our constitutional duties and would not be dissuaded by cheap blackmail or threats from those who do not mean well for our country’s nascent democracy,” George declared.
He concluded by appreciating the people of Rivers State and stakeholders across the country for their support, prayers and encouragement.
“We thank the good people of Rivers State for their prayers and encouragement and express our gratitude to all stakeholders and leaders at all levels… May God continue to bless our dear Rivers State and Nigeria,” the statement read.
