The Rivers State House of Assembly has firmly dismissed circulating reports that the impeachment proceedings initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, have been suspended. The legislative body insists the process is fully active and proceeding according to constitutional provisions.
Assembly Clarifies Position on Impeachment
In a statement released on Friday, January 10, 2026, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, categorically denied any discontinuation of the process. He stated that the impeachment move, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course.
The Assembly's statement read in part: "The Rivers State House of Assembly is pleased to inform the good people of Rivers State that the impeachment process commenced by the House on Thursday, January 8, 2026 is fully on course in line with relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)."
Notices Served, Responses Awaited
The Assembly confirmed that two separate notices detailing allegations of gross misconduct have been formally issued. The Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, has forwarded these notices to both the governor and the deputy governor.
"The two notices of allegations of gross misconduct brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution against the Governor and Deputy Governor have been forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House while we await their responses," the statement elaborated.
The lawmakers emphasized their constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law and check potential infractions by any public office holder in the state, affirming that they remain "duty bound in this regard."
Specific Allegations Against Governor Fubara
The impeachment notice outlines seven key infractions leveled against Governor Fubara. The major allegations include:
- The controversial demolition of the state Assembly complex.
- Engaging in extra-budgetary spending.
- Withholding funds legally allocated to the Assembly Service Commission.
- An alleged refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling concerning the financial autonomy of the state legislature.
The Assembly maintains that these actions form the basis for the gross misconduct charges and justify the ongoing impeachment process. The political landscape in Rivers State remains tense as all parties await the next constitutional steps following the governor's expected response to the allegations.
