- Safiu Kehinde
Political tension has again brewed in Rivers State as the state House of Assembly initiated impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The State Assembly lawmakers had at the resumption of their plenary session on Thursday commenced the impeachment process as they accused Fubara of gross misconduct.
Fubara’s impeachment process was announced by the Rivers Assembly Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, who presented before the lawmakers a letter of allegation filed against the governor.
According to Amaewhule, the letter was signed by 26 members of the Rivers State House Assembly.
The Speaker vowed to ensure that the letter is forwarded to Fubara within the next seven days as legislative action commences.
“The majority leader has just laid before the House the notice of allegations of gross misconduct in pursuant of the Section 188 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended (1999). This particular letter is signed by 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Distinguished colleagues, I’m now in receipt of this letter and pursuant to sections of the 1999 constitution as amended, I will ensure that this letter is forwarded to His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS Governor of Rivers State within seven days.” He said.
Prior to Amaewhule’s verdict on the letter, one of the lawmakers, Dumle Maol, had raised a motion demanding that House refusal to proceed with any action for presentation of Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Appropriation Bill until the allegation against Fubara and his deputy is addressed.
“We have declared that the House should not and the House will not proceed with any action for presentation of Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and appropriation Bill 2026 until the investigation of gross misconduct levelled against the governor and deputy governor are concluded Sir.” Dumle had said.
The Rivers Majority Leader, Major Jack, while presenting the letter, read some of the allegations filed against Fubara which include; “Appointment of persons to occupy offices and positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for requirement of screening and confirmation as prescribed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
“Seizure of salaries, allowances, as well as funds standing to the verdict of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to Section 121 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws.
“Seizure of salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Emeka Amadi.
“Refusal to implement provisions of the constitution on financial autonomy of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Rivers State Judiciary.
“Withholding of funds meant for the running of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission.”
Jack who is also a signatory to the letter listed other signatories to include Dumle Maol, Linda Stewart, Franklin Nwabochi, Justina Emeji, Ignatius Onwuka, Chimeze Nwakwo, and Emilia Amadi amongst others.