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The Rivers State House of Assembly has served notice on Governor Siminialayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, formally accusing them of gross misconduct in the performance of their duties.
In a notice signed by members of the Assembly, dated March 17, the lawmakers cited Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and other extant laws as the basis for their allegations.
The Assembly accused Governor Fubara of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, contrary to Sections 120, 121 (1)(2), and 122 of the Constitution.
Similarly, the Deputy Governor, Professor Odu, was also accused of gross misconduct in the performance of her duties, although the specific allegations against her were not detailed in the notice.
The move by the Assembly is seen as a significant escalation of the political crisis in Rivers State, which has been simmering for weeks.
It is unclear what the next steps will be, but the Assembly’s accusations have set the stage for a potential impeachment process against the Governor and his deputy.
The state notice read: “Mr. Speaker, NOTICE OF ALLEGATIONS OF GROSS MISCONDUCT BROUGHT PURSUANT TO SECTION 188 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (AS AMENDED), 1999.
RE: ACTS OF GROSS MISCONDUCT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA GSSRS, GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE
“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
1. 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).
“Mr. Speaker, NOTICE OF ALLEGATIONS OF GROSS MISCONDUCT BROUGHT PURSUANT TO SECTION 188 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (AS AMENDED), 1999.
“RE: ACTS OF GROSS MISCONDUCT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR BY HER EXCELLENCY, PROF. NGOZI NMA ODU DSSRS, DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE**
“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.”
