Rivers Assembly Lists Fubara’s ‘19 Sins’

The political upheaval in Rivers State worsened yesterday when 26 members of the House of Assembly officially lodged accusations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

In a formal notice bearing their signatures, the lawmakers specified 19 alleged constitutional infractions committed by the pair, highlighting issues such as financial mismanagement, disruption of legislative responsibilities, and illicit appointments.

The legislators affirmed that their initiative complies with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, which delineates the process for ousting a governor or deputy governor from office. Per the constitution, after a notice signed by at least one-third of the Assembly members is submitted, the Speaker is required to deliver the allegations to the accused and permit a response prior to establishing an investigative committee.

The violations cited by the lawmakers are as follows:
Omission to Submit the 2024 Appropriation Bill – Governor Fubara is said to have declined to present the 2024 budget to the Assembly, breaching Section 121(1)(2) of the Constitution and ignoring a Federal High Court mandate.

Unapproved State Spending – The governor is alleged to have accessed and disbursed funds from the state’s consolidated revenue without an appropriation law being enacted.

Infringement of Financial Regulations – Fubara is accused of approving expenditures from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund despite the Assembly imposing a freeze on government spending.

Supreme Court Decision Against Unauthorized Spending – On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court affirmed a Federal High Court judgment that the governor expended funds without appropriation in 2024 and persisted with this behavior into 2025.

Hindrance of the Assembly’s Responsibilities – Lawmakers contend that the governor impeded the legislative body from performing its duties effectively.

Destruction of the State Assembly Complex – Fubara is alleged to have instructed and managed the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on December 13, 2023, in defiance of a Federal High Court decision.

Judicial Rebuke for Meddling in Assembly Affairs – A Federal High Court ruling in January 2024 condemned Fubara’s conduct, labeling it as “devious means to stop the House of Assembly from sitting.”

Supreme Court Confirmation of Legislative Disturbances – The highest court recognized the governor’s demolition of the Assembly Complex and denounced his actions as a violation of legal standards.

Unlawful Appointments Without Assembly Oversight – Fubara is said to have executed several critical appointments without legislative consent, contravening the Constitution.

Disregard of Court Rulings on Assembly Leadership – The governor is accused of overlooking a Federal High Court decision that affirmed the Assembly’s leadership under Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule.

Neglect to Designate an Attorney-General – Fubara allegedly omitted to nominate a candidate for Attorney-General to the Assembly, as stipulated by Section 192(2) & (6) of the Constitution.

Illegitimate Induction of Unapproved Commissioners – The lawmakers assert that 19 individuals were unlawfully appointed and are deceiving the public by presenting themselves as commissioners.

Illicit Induction of Procurement Bureau Officials – The governor is alleged to have installed members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement without Assembly endorsement.

Unsanctioned Appointments in Local Government Service Commission – Fubara allegedly designated officials to the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without legislative authorization.

Refusal to Retract Illegal Appointments – Despite numerous resolutions and public declarations, the governor is said to have declined to rescind his appointments.

Suspension of Lawmakers’ Salaries – The governor is accused of halting the salaries of certain Assembly members since April 2024.

Confiscation of Assembly Resources – The Assembly’s funds have allegedly been detained since April 2024, impairing its functionality.

Unlawful Suspension of the Clerk’s Salary – The governor is accused of ceasing payments to the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, in opposition to a Federal High Court ruling.

Broad Disrespect for Legal Principles – The lawmakers maintain that Fubara has persistently flouted court decisions and constitutional requirements, signaling an unwillingness to govern in alignment with his oath of office.

The 26 lawmakers who endorsed the notice are Dumle Maol, Gokana Constituency; Major Jack, Akuku-Toru 1; Linda Somiari-Stewart, Okirika Constituency; Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni; Christopher Ofiks-Kagbang, Andoni; Azeru Opara, Port Harcourt III; Enemi Alabo-George, Asari-Toru II; Tonye Smart Adoki, Port Harcourt II; Granville Wellington, Asari-Toru I; and Solomon Wami, Port Harcourt I.

Additional signatories include Benard Mgbar, Tai Constituency; John Iderima, Abua-Odua; Queen Williams, Ahoada East I; Lolo Opuende, Akuku-Toru II; Peter Abbey, Degema; Igwe Aforji, Eleme; Justina Emeji, Emohua; Ignatius Onwuka, Etche; Chimezie Nwankwo, Etche; Lemchi Nyeche, Ikwerre; Barile Nwakoh, Khana 1; Emelia Lucky-Amadi, Obio-Akpor II; Nkemjika Ezekwe, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni II; Davida Okobiriari, Ogu-Bolo; Sylvanus Nwankwo, Omuma; and Gerald Oforji, Oyigbo.

In response, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joe Johnson, refuted the allegations as groundless and politically driven. He indicated that the Assembly’s maneuvers could precipitate profound economic, social, and political unrest in the state.

“The governor has demonstrated his commitment to peace and governance, but the Assembly’s obstruction of budgetary processes could cripple the state’s economy. Their actions will directly impact civil servants, pensioners, and development projects,” Johnson cautioned.

He further remarked that the non-disbursement of state allocations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation, stemming from the ongoing dispute, could render the government incapable of meeting payroll and fulfilling financial duties.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli