By NewsMata
The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday set in motion impeachment process against the embattled Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara, issuing a notice accusing him and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of alleged misconduct.
The misconduct allegation against the duo was contained in a notice to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule by 26 members of the House.
According to the lawmakers, their action is in line with “Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other existing laws.”
Fubara is accused of several offences including reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstructing the Assembly’s activities, and appointing individuals to government positions without the required screening and confirmation.
Other allegations include withholding salaries, allowances and funds meant for the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as seizing the salary of the Clerk, Emeka Amadi.
The lawmakers also accused Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu of “conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to government positions without the required screening and confirmation.”
Upon receiving the notice, Amaewhule forwarded it to Fubara, stating that the allegations were raised by “not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Citing Section 188(3) of the Constitution, Governor Fubara was given 14 days to respond to the allegations. The section states: “Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice), the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate, whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.”
Amaewhule, who extended his “esteemed regards” to the governor, advised him to act accordingly.