The political crisis rocking Rivers State took a a new dimension on Monday after the State House of Assembly, expectedly, accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu of gross misconduct.
The development comes after lawmakers, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, forwarded the notice to the Governor and his deputy, stating that their action was in accordance with constitutional provisions.
“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,” the notice reads in part.
This latest development is coming on the heels of Governor Fubara’s renewed effort to present the 2025 budget in line with Supreme Court directives, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, adjourned its plenary indefinitely.
In a personally signed letter dated March 13, Fubara proposed Wednesday or any other convenient date in March for the budget presentation.
He stated that this was the second notice sent to the lawmakers regarding the budget presentation, emphasising that his actions were in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment of February 28, which mandated the budget’s presentation to the Assembly.
In his letter, the governor reminded the Assembly of the events of March 12, when he and his entourage were locked out of the legislative complex despite prior notice of his visit.
He urged lawmakers to put the state’s interests above political differences.
“You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” Fubara wrote.
It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu had earlier last week urged leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to ensure that Governor Fubara complied with the Supreme Court ruling on the political crisis in the state.
Tinubu made the remarks during a recent closed-door meeting with PANDEF leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“I got your signal and I got your concerns, particularly concerning Rivers State. I have been on it for quite some time. I foresaw this crisis long before I stepped in. We reached an agreement—a written agreement—which both parties signed,” Tinubu said.
“It is sad we find ourselves in this situation today. This is a nation with a rule of law. I should not be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if there is no rule of law.”
“I have total confidence in our judiciary. Now, the Supreme Court has spoken—that is it. Please go back home and help him (Governor Fubara) to implement those recommendations within the shortest possible time,” he added.
