The political turmoil in Rivers State escalated yesterday as 26 members of the House of Assembly formally served allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers, in a notice signed by them, outlined 19 constitutional violations allegedly committed by the duo, citing financial mismanagement, obstruction of legislative duties, and illegal appointments.
The legislators stated that their action aligns with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines procedures for removing a governor or deputy governor from office. According to the constitution, upon presentation of a notice signed by at least one-third of the Assembly members, the Speaker must serve the accused with the allegations and allow a response before an investigative panel is formed.
The infractions listed by the lawmakers are as follows:
Failure to Present the 2024 Appropriation Bill – Governor Fubara allegedly refused to present the 2024 budget to the Assembly, violating Section 121(1)(2) of the Constitution and disregarding a Federal High Court order.
Unauthorized State Expenditures – The governor is accused of withdrawing and spending funds from the state’s consolidated revenue without an appropriation law in place.
Violation of Financial Laws – Fubara allegedly authorized expenditures from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund despite the Assembly declaring a shutdown on government spending.
Supreme Court Judgment Against Unapproved Spending – The Supreme Court on February 28, 2025, upheld a Federal High Court ruling that the governor spent money without appropriation in 2024 and continued the same in 2025.
Obstruction of the Assembly’s Duties – Lawmakers claim the governor hindered the legislative arm from functioning effectively.
Demolition of the State Assembly Complex – Fubara allegedly ordered and supervised the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on December 13, 2023, against a Federal High Court ruling.
Judicial Indictment on Interference in Assembly Affairs – A Federal High Court ruling in January 2024 criticized Fubara’s actions, describing them as "devious means to stop the House of Assembly from sitting."
Supreme Court Recognition of Legislative Disruptions – The apex court acknowledged the governor’s demolition of the Assembly Complex and condemned his actions as a breach of the rule of law.
Illegal Appointments Without Assembly Screening – Fubara allegedly made several key appointments without legislative approval, in violation of the Constitution.
Defiance of Court Orders on Assembly Leadership – The governor is accused of ignoring a Federal High Court ruling that upheld the Assembly’s leadership under Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule.
Failure to Appoint an Attorney-General – Fubara allegedly failed to forward a nominee for Attorney-General to the Assembly, as required by Section 192(2) & (6) of the Constitution.
Unlawful Swearing-in of Unapproved Commissioners – The lawmakers claim 19 individuals were illegally appointed and are misleading the public by parading themselves as commissioners.
Unlawful Swearing-in of Procurement Bureau Officials – The governor allegedly inaugurated members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement without Assembly confirmation.
Unauthorized Appointments in Local Government Service Commission – Fubara allegedly appointed officials to the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without legislative approval.
Refusal to Rescind Illegal Appointments – Despite repeated resolutions and public notices, the governor allegedly refused to reverse his appointments.
Withholding of Lawmakers’ Salaries – The governor is accused of stopping the salaries of some Assembly members since April 2024.
Seizure of Assembly Funds – The Assembly’s funds have allegedly been withheld since April 2024, undermining its operations.
Illegal Withholding of the Clerk’s Salary – The governor is accused of stopping payments to the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, contrary to a Federal High Court judgment.
General Contempt for the Rule of Law – The lawmakers assert that Fubara has repeatedly defied court rulings and constitutional provisions, indicating an unwillingness to govern in accordance with his oath of office.
The 26 lawmakers, who signed the notice are Dumle Maol, Gokana Constituency; Major Jack, Akuku-Toru 1; Linda Somiari-Stewart, Okirika Constituency; Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni; Christopher Ofiks-Kagbang, Andoni; Azeru Opara, Port Harcourt III; Enemi Alabo-George, Asari-Toru II; Tonye Smart Adoki, Port Harcourt II; Granville Wellington, Asari-Toru I and Solomon Wami, Port Harcourt I.
Others are Benard Mgbar, Tai Constituency; John Iderima, Abua-Odua; Queen Williams, Ahoada East I; Lolo Opuende, Akuku-Toru II; Peter Abbey, Degema; Igwe Aforji, Eleme; Justina Emeji, Emohua; Ignatius Onwuka, Etche; Chimezie Nwankwo, Etche; Lemchi Nyeche, Ikwerre; Barile Nwakoh, Khana 1; Emelia Lucky-Amadi, Obio-Akpor II; Nkemjika Ezekwe, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni II; Davida Okobiriari, Ogu-Bolo; Sylvanus Nwankwo, Omuma and Gerald Oforji, Oyigbo.
In response, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joe Johnson, dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. He stated that the Assembly’s actions could lead to severe economic, social, and political instability in the state.
"The governor has demonstrated his commitment to peace and governance, but the Assembly’s obstruction of budgetary processes could cripple the state’s economy. Their actions will directly impact civil servants, pensioners, and development projects," Johnson warned.
He added that the non-release of state allocations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation, as a result of the ongoing crisis, could render the government unable to pay salaries and fulfill financial obligations.
