The Rivers State House of Assembly has escalated the ongoing political tensions with Governor Siminalayi Fubara by serving a notice of alleged misconduct against him and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
This development comes after the Assembly blocked Governor Fubara from presenting the 2025 budget, despite his efforts to comply with Supreme Court directives.
The notice, issued in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, accuses the deputy governor of gross misconduct in the performance of her functions.
This move has further deepened the rift between the governor and the Assembly, which is largely loyal to Fubara’s estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The crisis in Rivers State began with a power struggle between Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly. Tensions escalated when the Assembly attempted to impeach Fubara late last year, prompting interventions from the presidency.
President Bola Tinubu has urged leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum to ensure that Governor Fubara complies with the Supreme Court ruling on the political crisis in the state.
The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about governance, economic stability, and infrastructural development in Rivers State. Ijaw groups, who see Fubara as their representative, have warned against any move to unseat him, with some even threatening armed resistance. This has raised fears about further instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The Rivers State government and the House of Assembly must find a way to put aside their differences and work towards the development of the state.
The notice read partly: “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.”
