The Rivers State House of Assembly accuses Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu of misconduct, citing the Nigerian Constitution

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Rivers State House of Assembly has formally accused the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of gross misconduct.

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This move, according to the lawmakers, is based on provisions outlined in the Nigerian Constitution.

In a notice obtained by Channels Television, the Assembly members justified their actions under Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), along with other relevant laws.

The document, which was signed by the lawmakers, asserts that the actions of the deputy governor, Ngozi Odu, in particular, amounted to misconduct in the performance of her official duties.

The notice reads: “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we, the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office.”

The legal framework invoked by the lawmakers signals a serious allegation that could have significant political ramifications for the state leadership.

This move comes amid ongoing tensions between the Rivers State Assembly and the governor’s administration, further exemplified by recent disputes surrounding the state’s budgetary processes.

The controversy around Governor Fubara’s leadership has intensified following accusations of stalling the state’s budget process, a claim that the governor and his officials have strongly denied.

Fubara’s administration, particularly his decision to surround himself with influential figures who allegedly lobbied for his governorship, has also been criticised in the past by outgoing governor Nyesom Wike.

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This development signals an escalating political standoff in Rivers State, which could lead to further actions in the coming days, as the House of Assembly continues to hold the state leadership to account.