The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday served a notice of gross misconduct on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The letter, dated Friday, March 14, 2025, was tabled on Monday morning, March 17, for debate by the Speaker.
In the letter addressed to the Speaker through the Clerk of the House, the lawmakers stated: “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 Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of his office.
“Gross misconduct: Reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds contrary to Sections 120, 121 (1) (2), and 122 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
Similarly, in the Assembly’s letter regarding the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, the Assembly stated:
“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 signatories at the end of the letter stated: “Mr. Speaker, we conclude by stating that the Governor has shown that he is not prepared to govern Rivers State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and his oath of office. The Supreme Court in Suit No.: SC/CV/1174/2024 condemned his actions when it stated that ‘the 8th respondent’s fear of impeachment by the House of Assembly is no justification for his attacks on the House of Assembly, the Constitution, the Government of Rivers State, and the rule of law. Political disagreements cannot justify these attacks and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of a State or any person. What the 8th respondent has done is to destroy the government because of fear of being impeached.’”
It will be recalled that the Assembly, through the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Enemi George, accused the governor of frustrating steps toward the 2025 budget presentation.
The Assembly also denied receipt of any letter for budget presentation from Governor Fubara.
