Lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly have said the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ugozi Muma Odu, will continue, citing the governor’s refusal to adhere to constitutional provisions.
Speaking at a joint press conference on Friday, the legislators accused the governor of manipulating leaders and public opinion, repeatedly assuring the House and the people of Nigeria that constitutional infractions would be corrected, but failing to follow through.
Recall that four lawmakers earlier appealed to the Assembly to halt the impeachment proceedings.
However, the four lawmakers, led by Honorable Sylvanus Nwankwo rescinded their plea to halt the proceedings and aligned with the Assembly’s decision.
“We concluded that there is indeed a need to proceed. This decision reflects the consensus of all members, including those who had initially decided not to proceed,” one lawmaker said.
The lawmakers outlined several reasons for continuing the process.
They alleged that both the governor and his deputy have shown no intention of complying with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The assembly claims the governor and deputy governor have used public statements and media platforms to undermine the legislature and mislead citizens, effectively acting as if the House does not exist.
The lawmakers also accused the governor and his deputy of using state institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to intimidate legislators. They said attempts to engage the governor on allegations of gross misconduct have been ignored.
The lawmakers described the governor and deputy governor as serial offenders against the constitution and democratic norms. They stressed that sustainable peace and progress in Rivers State could only be achieved through the rule of law and respect for the separation of powers.
Legislators rejected claims that the impeachment is merely a political disagreement, insisting that the real issue is the governor and deputy governor’s alleged conflict with the constitution.
The lawmakers called on the people of Rivers State to take note of the allegations and urged citizens to understand the context of the House’s actions.
