Amanze Chinonye
The Rivers State House of Assembly has escalated its impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara by formally outlining eight allegations of gross misconduct, providing fresh insight into the claims driving the renewed political crisis in the state.
At plenary, lawmakers accused the governor of actions they said amount to constitutional breaches and abuse of office, forming the basis of the impeachment proceedings commenced against him under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to the Assembly, the allegations include reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds as well as unconstitutional misappropriation of state resources, claims that legislators said undermine fiscal accountability and legislative oversight.
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The House further accused Governor Fubara of hindering the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties, alleging deliberate actions that crippled the legislature’s ability to function effectively.
Another major allegation centres on illegal appointments, with the Assembly claiming that the governor appointed individuals into public offices without subjecting them to mandatory legislative screening and confirmation as required by the constitution.
Lawmakers also accused the governor of seizing salaries and funds meant for members of the House, as well as withholding the salaries of the Clerk of the Assembly, Emeka Amadi, actions they described as punitive and unconstitutional.
In addition, the Assembly alleged that Governor Fubara refused to implement constitutional provisions on the financial autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary, despite existing legal frameworks and court decisions affirming such autonomy.
The eighth allegation accused the governor of withholding funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, thereby allegedly paralysing the commission’s operations and hindering its statutory responsibilities.
The detailing of the allegations marks a significant step in the impeachment process and comes amid a long-running power struggle between the governor and a majority faction of the Assembly loyal to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Governor Fubara has yet to formally respond to the allegations. Under constitutional procedure, he is expected to be served with the impeachment notice and given the opportunity to reply before the process advances to the next stage.
The renewed impeachment push has heightened concerns over political stability and governance in Rivers State, with observers warning that prolonged confrontation between the executive and legislature could disrupt administration in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
