The Rivers State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to continue impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, citing constitutional obligations.
This comes after four members of the House, including Minority Leader Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Barile Nwakoh, and representatives of Degema and Obio/Akpor Constituencies, Hon. Peter Abbey and Hon. Emilia Amadi, reversed their earlier withdrawal and pledged support for the proceedings.
Plenary, scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2025, did not hold, amid speculation of internal divisions within the House.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr. Enemi Alabo-George, accused Governor Fubara and Prof. Odu of disregarding the authority of the House of Assembly. He alleged that the duo had used media platforms and religious forums to undermine the legislature.
Dr. Alabo-George stated:
“The governor and deputy governor act as if the Rivers State House of Assembly does not exist. They are unperturbed by the allegations and continue to boast through media attacks that members cannot enforce the Constitution. This undermines our democracy.”
He added that past attempts to resolve disputes failed because the governor “does not abide by agreements and cannot be trusted,” insisting that the only viable solution is impeachment, in line with the 1999 Constitution.
The lawmaker urged stakeholders and residents of Rivers State to understand the gravity of the situation, noting that the impeachment process is necessary to uphold the rule of law, separation of powers, and respect for the Constitution.
“We appeal to all leaders and the people of Rivers State to support the constitutional process and allow it to proceed unhindered,” Dr. Alabo-George said.
