The Rivers State House of Assembly has confirmed that the Chief Judge of the state has received and acknowledged official correspondence notifying her of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu.
The confirmation came just hours after a Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo reportedly issued an order restraining the Assembly from taking further steps in the impeachment process against the governor and his deputy.
The development was disclosed on Friday, January 16, 2025, by the Assembly’s spokesperson and Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, following plenary proceedings marking the 60th legislative day of the Third Session of the Tenth Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to him, lawmakers at plenary deliberated on the constitutional provisions guiding the investigation of allegations of gross misconduct against a sitting governor and deputy governor, as stipulated under Section 188(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
After extensive deliberations, the House resolved to proceed with the investigation of the allegations leveled against Governor Fubara and his deputy. Consequently, the Speaker of the House was mandated to formally notify the Chief Judge of Rivers State in line with Section 188(5) of the Constitution, requesting the constitution of a seven-member panel to investigate the allegations.
The Assembly noted that its actions were guided strictly by constitutional provisions and legislative procedures.
