The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of misconduct, citing multiple constitutional violations.
In a notice sent to Speaker Martin Amaewhule on Monday, 26 lawmakers outlined several allegations against Fubara, invoking Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the basis for their action.
Among the key accusations are:
- Failure to Present 2024 Budget – Lawmakers claim Fubara did not properly present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill for 2024 to the Assembly, despite a Federal High Court ruling declaring any previous budget process void.
- Illegal Expenditure – The governor allegedly withdrew funds from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund in 2024 without an approved budget, violating constitutional provisions.
- Disregard for Legislative Authority – Fubara is accused of making financial decisions after the Assembly had declared a suspension of government expenditure in July 2024.
- Supreme Court Ruling – A Supreme Court decision in February 2025 reportedly reaffirmed that Rivers State has no valid budget and ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to halt fund disbursements until a proper Appropriation Law is passed.
- Obstructing Legislative Functions – The governor allegedly hindered the Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties.
- Demolition of Assembly Complex – Fubara is accused of ordering and overseeing the demolition of the Assembly’s chamber in December 2023, despite a court injunction protecting the legislative institution.
- Illegal Appointments – The lawmakers claim Fubara bypassed the Assembly’s authority by appointing officials without legislative screening and confirmation.
- Seizure of Lawmakers’ Salaries – The governor allegedly stopped the payment of salaries to certain legislators in April 2024, affecting multiple members of the Assembly.
The Assembly insists that Fubara’s actions amount to a gross violation of the constitution, calling for accountability. The development intensifies the political crisis in Rivers State, as tensions between the executive and legislative arms continue to escalate.