The Rivers State government has dismissed the impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, stating that there is no formal communication from the state House of Assembly regarding allegations of gross misconduct.
The assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule and dominated by 27 lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, issued a notice dated March 14, accusing Fubara of reckless expenditure, obstruction of legislative processes, and making unauthorized appointments. The notice, signed by 26 lawmakers, directed the governor and his deputy to respond within 14 days, as required by Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Barrister Joseph Johnson, dismissed the development, stating that the governor had not been formally notified. He accused the lawmakers of attempting to derail Fubara’s implementation of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the state’s lingering political crisis.
Johnson further alleged that the assembly’s actions were exacerbating economic difficulties for civil servants and pensioners due to the continued seizure of the state's allocation. He reaffirmed Fubara’s commitment to upholding the court’s ruling, including his directive for local government chairmen to hand over to their administrative heads. In compliance with the ruling, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled fresh local government elections for August 9, 2025.
This marks the second impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara. The first, initiated on October 30, 2023, saw 24 lawmakers move against him, leading to violent clashes, the burning of the assembly complex, and its subsequent demolition. Fubara later alleged that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during the crisis.
In a related development, the assembly has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Tammy Danagogo, over alleged extra-budgetary spending. Lawmakers also accused Danagogo of financial misconduct, echoing allegations previously made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who claimed the SSG played a key role in fueling the state's political unrest, including securing a court order barring Fubara from recognizing the 27 lawmakers.
