… As Rivers NYSC coordinator praises gov’s support
PORT HARCOURT: The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
At plenary, the lawmakers invoked Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and resolved to serve the governor and his deputy with a notice of gross misconduct within seven days, marking the official activation of the impeachment process.
Leading the debate, the Majority Leader, Major Jack (APC, Akuku-Toru), accused Governor Fubara of repeatedly undermining peace efforts initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as violating principles of financial transparency and good governance.
According to Jack, the governor and his deputy allegedly breached and reneged on the peace agreement brokered by the President, while also failing to adhere to statutory financial procedures.
“They have repeatedly breached and backtracked on the peace agreement facilitated by the President,” he said.
Contributing, Mrs Linda Somiari (APC, Okrika) alleged that the governor obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
She further accused Governor Fubara and his deputy of conniving to make illegal appointments into public offices without legislative approval, as well as withholding salaries, allowances and statutory funds due to lawmakers and the Clerk of the House, Mr Emeka Amadi.
Somiari also cited the alleged failure of the executive to implement financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary, including the non-release of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission.
In a related development, the House unanimously adopted a motion sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, and Mr Sylvanus Nwanko, declining consideration of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 budget proposal.
Quoting Section 10 of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010, the lawmakers noted that the governor is statutorily required to present the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework every three years.
“As we speak, the last Medium-Term Expenditure Framework was presented in 2022 by the immediate past governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike,” Jack said.
He further alleged that the governor and his deputy had refused to present both the MTEF and the 2026 Appropriation Bill, while continuing to spend from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund without legislative approval.
Responding, the Speaker of the House, Mr Martins Amaewhule, commended members for what he described as a courageous decision taken in the interest of democracy and good governance in the state.
Amaewhule assured that the resolutions of the House would be formally communicated to the governor, stressing that due process would be strictly followed in the investigation.
He noted that the issuance of the notice of gross misconduct had effectively triggered the impeachment process, which he said was necessary to protect constitutional order in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Moses Oleghe, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his sustained support for the scheme.
Oleghe gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Government House on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
He applauded the governor for the ongoing renovation and upgrading of facilities at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Nonwa-Gbam Tai.
The coordinator expressed optimism that 2026 would be fruitful, productive, peaceful, and prosperous for corps members and residents of the state.
The Secretary to the State Government and NYSC Governing Board Chairman, Dr Benibo Anabraba, described the gesture as thoughtful and worthy of emulation.
Anabraba assured that the Rivers government would continue to provide strong and consistent support for the NYSC scheme.
