The Rivers State House of Assembly has served a notice of alleged misconduct against the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
In the notice dated 14th March, 2025, the lawmakers claimed that their action was in line with the Nigerian Constitution.
The notice read in part: “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.”
Meanwhile, the governor has remained mute about the move to impeach him by the lawmakers, causing worries among his teeming supporters.
THE STEPS TO IMPEACH A GOVERNOR
Step 1
Give notice of allegation in writing -gross misconduct on the part of the Governor; signed by members of the SOA.
Step 2
Speaker of SOA within 7 days serve the Governor notice of allegation.
Step 3
The Governor has a right of reply.
Step 4
Within 14 days resolve by motion without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated. Motion to be passed by at least two-thirds majority.
Step 5
If the motion fails to reach the required majority, the process immediately stops, and no further action will be taken. If motion is passed, Speaker within 7 days request the Chief Judge of the State to appoint a Panel of 7 persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity to investigate the allegations.
Step 6
The Panel is to report its findings within 3 months of being appointed. The findings will be reported to the SOA. During the proceedings of the Panel, the Governor shall have a right to defend himself, and shall also have the right to be defended by a legal practitioner of his/her choice.
Step 7
Where the Panel reports that the allegation has not been proven, there will be no further action. However, if the report is that the allegation against the Governor has been proven, then the SOA will consider the report, and a resolution for the adoption of the report shall be moved.
