The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, escalating the political crisis that has gripped the state in recent months.
The move followed a resolution adopted during a plenary session of the Assembly, where lawmakers accused the governor of alleged constitutional breaches, misconduct, and disregard for legislative authority. The impeachment notice, signed by members of the House, was subsequently served on the governor in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
According to the lawmakers, the decision to commence impeachment proceedings was taken after what they described as repeated efforts to resolve the standoff between the executive and the legislature failed. They alleged that Governor Fubara acted in ways that undermined the functions and independence of the House.
In a statement issued after the session, the Assembly said the impeachment process was not driven by personal or political vendetta but by a commitment to uphold the rule of law and constitutional order in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara, however, has consistently denied allegations of wrongdoing. In previous responses to similar threats, he accused his political opponents of attempting to destabilise his administration and subvert the will of the people. As of the time of filing this report, the governor had yet to issue an official response to the latest development.
The impeachment proceedings are the latest chapter in the protracted power struggle between Governor Fubara and factions within the state’s political establishment, a conflict that has disrupted governance and polarised the state’s political landscape.
Legal experts note that the impeachment process is constitutionally demanding, requiring strict adherence to due process, including investigation by a panel and approval by a two-thirds majority of Assembly members. Any failure to follow these procedures could render the process invalid.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and political observers have called for restraint, urging all parties to prioritise peace and stability in Rivers State. They warned that prolonged political tension could undermine development and security in the oil-rich state.
As the impeachment process unfolds, attention will be focused on the response of the governor, the judiciary, and other relevant institutions, with far-reaching implications for governance and democracy in Rivers State.
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