Political tensions in Rivers State intensified on Tuesday as 26 members of the House of Assembly formally accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu of gross misconduct.
In a notice signed by the lawmakers, 19 constitutional violations were outlined, including allegations of financial mismanagement, obstructing legislative duties, and making illegal appointments. The legislators argued that their actions were in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, which governs the process for removing a governor or deputy governor from office. According to the Constitution, once at least one-third of the assembly members sign a notice, the Speaker must serve the accused with the allegations and allow them time to respond before an investigative panel is formed.
The specific allegations against the governor include:
- Failure to Present the 2024 Budget – Fubara allegedly did not present the 2024 budget to the Assembly, violating Section 121(1)(2) of the Constitution and disregarding a Federal High Court order.
- Unauthorized State Expenditures – Fubara is accused of withdrawing and spending funds from the state’s consolidated revenue without an appropriation law.
- Violation of Financial Laws – Allegations of authorizing expenditures from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund despite a declared shutdown on government spending.
- Supreme Court Judgment on Unapproved Spending – The Supreme Court ruled in February 2025 that the governor spent money without proper appropriation in 2024 and continued this in 2025.
- Obstruction of Legislative Duties – Lawmakers claim Fubara hindered the Assembly’s effectiveness.
- Demolition of the State Assembly Complex – Fubara allegedly ordered the demolition of the assembly building in December 2023, against a Federal High Court ruling.
- Judicial Indictment – A Federal High Court ruling in January 2024 criticized Fubara for interfering with Assembly affairs.
- Illegal Appointments Without Legislative Approval – The governor allegedly made several key appointments without the required legislative consent.
- Defiance of Court Orders – The governor is accused of ignoring a Federal High Court ruling regarding the leadership of the Assembly.
- Failure to Appoint an Attorney-General – Fubara allegedly failed to nominate an Attorney-General to the Assembly, as required by the Constitution.
- Unlawful Appointments – The lawmakers claim Fubara illegally swore in 19 individuals as commissioners.
- Failure to Reverse Illegal Appointments – The governor reportedly ignored resolutions and public notices to rescind his illegal appointments.
- Withholding Lawmakers’ Salaries – Fubara is accused of halting the salaries of some Assembly members since April 2024.
- Seizing Assembly Funds – Lawmakers allege that the Assembly’s funds have been withheld since April 2024, affecting its operations.
- Contempt for the Rule of Law – The legislators assert that Fubara has consistently defied court rulings and constitutional provisions.
The 26 lawmakers who signed the notice include Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru 1), Linda Somiari-Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi (Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni), and others from various constituencies across the state.
In response, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joe Johnson, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and unfounded. He warned that the Assembly’s actions could lead to severe economic, social, and political instability in the state. Johnson stressed that the governor remained committed to peace and governance, but the obstruction of the budgetary process could cripple the state’s economy and negatively impact civil servants, pensioners, and ongoing development projects. He also noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation had withheld state allocations, further exacerbating the state’s financial difficulties.