Rivers State Governor Faces Impeachment Over 19 Allegations

The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of breaking the law and misusing government money. A total of 26 lawmakers have signed a notice asking for his impeachment (removal from office). They also accused his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of wrongdoing.

The lawmakers claim the governor has made several illegal decisions, including spending money without approval, stopping the Assembly from working and making appointments without following the law.

Here are the 19 allegations against Governor Fubara in simple terms:

Money-Related Allegations

1. Didn’t present the 2024 budget to the Assembly – The governor was supposed to show the state’s budget before spending money, but he didn’t.
2. Spent money without approval – He took money from the state’s account without the Assembly’s permission.
3. Ignored a court order on spending – Even when the Assembly told him to stop spending money, he continued.
4. The Supreme Court stopped funding for Rivers State – Because of these financial issues, the court ordered that no more money should be given to the state government until a proper budget is passed.

Interfering with the Assembly

1. Blocked the Assembly from working – He made it hard for the Assembly to do its job.
2. Ordered the destruction of the Assembly building – The lawmakers say he oversaw the demolition of their main building.
3. Disobeyed a court ruling – A judge ruled that the destruction of the Assembly building was illegal, but the governor ignored it.
4. The Supreme Court also ruled against him – The court confirmed that the destruction was illegal and accused the governor of secretly holding Assembly meetings outside the official building.

Illegal Appointments

1. Appointed people without Assembly approval – He gave important government jobs to people without getting permission from the lawmakers.
2. Disobeyed a court ruling on appointments – A court had told him to only send nominations to the officially recognized Assembly, but he ignored it.
3. Didn’t appoint an attorney general properly – The governor was supposed to send the name of the state’s legal officer to the Assembly for approval, but he didn’t.
4. Swore in 19 commissioners illegally – The lawmakers say these officials were appointed without following the proper process.
5. Appointed procurement officers illegally – These are people who handle government purchases, and the governor appointed them without approval.
6. Appointed local government officials illegally – The governor gave jobs to people in charge of local government affairs without following the law.

Punishing Lawmakers Who Opposed Him

1. Stopped salaries of some lawmakers – The governor allegedly stopped paying lawmakers who opposed him.
2. Blocked Assembly funding – The state Assembly has not received money since April 2024 because the governor allegedly stopped it.
3. Withheld the Clerk’s salary – The official who keeps records for the Assembly also didn’t get paid.

Ignoring Court Orders

1. Refused to follow court rulings – Even after courts gave clear orders, the governor continued to act against the law.
2. Disobeyed lawmakers’ letters – The Assembly sent letters asking him to correct his actions, but he ignored them.

What Happens Next?

The impeachment process will follow Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. If lawmakers succeed, Governor Fubara could be removed from office. However, the governor can defend himself in court or seek support from his allies.

The situation is still unfolding, and Rivers State residents are waiting to see what happens next.