Rivers Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara

Rivers Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara

The political crisis in Rivers State deepened on Thursday as the Rivers State House of Assembly formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, setting the stage for a major constitutional showdown in the oil-rich state.

During a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, lawmakers read a notice of allegations of gross misconduct against the governor, citing provisions of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The notice was reportedly signed by a majority of Assembly members, meeting the constitutional threshold required to commence impeachment proceedings.

Although full details of the allegations were not immediately made public, sources within the Assembly said the accusations revolve around constitutional breaches, financial misconduct, and actions allegedly undermining the authority and independence of the legislature. The Assembly resolved that the impeachment notice be formally served on Governor Fubara in line with constitutional procedures.

Under Nigeria’s constitution, the governor is expected to respond to the allegations within a specified time frame. If the response is deemed unsatisfactory, the Assembly may vote to constitute a seven-member investigative panel to probe the claims. The findings of the panel would then determine whether the impeachment process advances to the final stage.

The move represents a significant escalation in the long-running political tension between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State, which has been marked by disputes over governance, budget implementation, and political control.

Governor Fubara, who assumed office amid high expectations, has not officially reacted to the impeachment move as of the time of filing this report. Political observers warn that the development could further destabilize governance and economic activities in the state if not managed carefully.

As events unfold, attention remains fixed on Port Harcourt, with Nigerians closely watching how the constitutional process will play out in the coming days.