The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, deepening the political crisis in the oil-rich state.
The move followed the presentation of a notice of allegations against the governor during plenary on Wednesday, signalling the formal activation of the constitutional process to remove him from office.
Lawmakers backing the action accused Mr Fubara of alleged gross misconduct, although details of the allegations were not immediately made public at the sitting.
After the notice was read, the Assembly directed the Clerk to serve the impeachment notice on the governor in line with the provisions of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Speaker, who presided over the session, said the House was acting within its constitutional mandate and would ensure that due process was strictly followed throughout the proceedings.
“This House will comply with all constitutional requirements. The governor will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations,” the Speaker said.
The development comes amid a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which has polarised the political landscape in Rivers State.
The crisis has led to deep divisions within the Assembly, repeated shutdowns of legislative activities, and multiple court cases challenging the legitimacy of rival factions of lawmakers.
Political observers say the impeachment move could further escalate tensions in the state unless urgent reconciliation efforts are undertaken.
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government had not issued an official response to the impeachment proceedings.
Under the Constitution, a governor facing impeachment has the right to reply to the allegations, after which the House may constitute a panel to investigate the claims before any final decision is taken.
