An accusation of misconduct has been lodged against Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The notice was delivered to Speaker Martin Amaewhule on Monday and contained 26 members of the house.
According to the lawmakers, their action follows “Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other existing laws.”
They charged Fubara with a number of violations, such as using public funds carelessly and in violation of the Constitution, interfering with the Assembly’s operations, and appointing people to government jobs without the necessary verification and screening.
Additional accusations include the seizure of the Clerk Emeka Amadi’s salary and the withholding of wages, allowances, and cash intended for the legal Rivers State House of Assembly.
The lawmakers also accused Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu of “conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to government positions without the required screening and confirmation.”
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Upon receiving the notice, Amaewhule forwarded it to Fubara, stating that the allegations were raised by “not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Referencing Section 188(3) of the Constitution, which reads, “Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice), the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate, whether or not the allegation shall be investigated,” he then asked the governor to address the accusations.
Amaewhule also gave the governor his “esteemed regards” and counselled him to act appropriately.
