The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened as 26 members of the State House of Assembly formally accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of serious misconduct. The lawmakers listed 19 violations of the Nigerian Constitution, which could lead to the governor’s removal from office.

The lawmakers claim that Governor Fubara has committed several constitutional offenses, including:

1. Failure to Present the 2024 Budget – He allegedly refused to submit the state budget to the Assembly, violating the law.
2. Unauthorized Spending – The governor is accused of withdrawing state funds without proper approval.
3. Disregarding Financial Laws – He reportedly continued to spend public money despite a shutdown on government expenditures.
4. Court Ruling Against Him – The Supreme Court ruled that he spent state money without authorization.
5. Blocking the Assembly from Functioning – Lawmakers say he interfered with their work.
6. Demolition of the Assembly Building – He allegedly ordered the destruction of the State Assembly Complex in December 2023, against a court order.
7. Ignoring Court Orders – A court criticized his interference in legislative matters.
8. Illegal Appointments – He appointed officials without seeking approval from the Assembly.
9. Defying Court Rulings on Assembly Leadership – He allegedly ignored a court ruling that upheld the Speaker’s authority.
10. Failure to Appoint an Attorney-General – The position has remained vacant due to his inaction.
11. Illegal Appointment of Commissioners – He swore in 19 commissioners without Assembly approval.
12. Unlawful Appointments in Procurement Bureau – He allegedly appointed officials without proper screening.
13. Unauthorized Appointments in Local Government Service Commission – He appointed officials without consulting the Assembly.
14. Refusing to Reverse Unlawful Appointments – Despite warnings, he allegedly did not change his appointments.
15. Withholding Lawmakers’ Salaries – Some Assembly members have not been paid since April 2024.
16. Seizing Assembly Funds – The Assembly has not received its funding since April 2024.
17. Stopping Clerk’s Salary – The Assembly Clerk has also not been paid.
18. Disrespecting Court Judgments – He has allegedly ignored multiple court rulings.
19. General Disregard for the Law – Lawmakers say he is not governing according to the Constitution.

Under the Nigerian Constitution, if one-third of the lawmakers sign an impeachment notice, the Speaker must serve it to the accused. The governor has a chance to respond before a panel is formed to investigate.

Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. He warned that the Assembly’s actions could harm the state’s economy and affect workers, pensioners, and development projects.

The crisis has already caused financial problems, with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation reportedly withholding funds meant for the state government.

As the situation unfolds, Rivers State residents are left wondering how this political battle will end and how it will affect governance in the state.