Rivers Crisis Explodes as Lawmakers Begin Impeachment Process Against Governor Fubara
The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn as the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The move was made during a plenary session of the Assembly, where the Majority Leader, Major Jack, officially presented a Notice of Gross Misconduct against the governor, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to lawmakers, the impeachment process was triggered by what they described as serious constitutional breaches and administrative actions allegedly carried out by Governor Fubara.
Key Allegations Against Governor Fubara
The notice of gross misconduct leveled against the governor includes the following:
Alleged destruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, which lawmakers claim crippled legislative activities in the state.
Unauthorized expenditure of public funds, allegedly without legislative approval, in violation of constitutional procedures.
Withholding of statutory funds meant for the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission, an action the House says undermined the welfare and operations of the legislative arm.
Failure to comply with the Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy, which mandates full financial independence for state legislatures.
Lawmakers argued that these actions amount to a direct assault on democracy and the principle of separation of powers.
Assembly Insists on Due Process
Members of the House stressed that the impeachment process will strictly follow constitutional provisions, emphasizing that the notice marks the beginning—not the conclusion—of the process. The Clerk of the Assembly is expected to formally transmit the notice to the governor, giving him the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Political observers believe the development may further deepen the already tense relationship between the executive and legislative arms in Rivers State.
What This Means for Rivers State
If the process progresses, the Assembly may constitute an investigative panel to probe the allegations. Depending on the outcome, Governor Fubara could either be cleared or removed from office.
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government has not issued an official response to the impeachment notice.
👉 What do you think about this development?
Is this a genuine constitutional process or a political power struggle?
Drop your comments below.
