BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Begins Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara, Deputy

 The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.

The move was initiated during a plenary session on Thursday, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and broadcast live on Channels Television.

During the sitting, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations and gross misconduct against Governor Fubara. The notice, which was reportedly endorsed by 26 members of the Assembly, cited alleged violations of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaker Amaewhule stated that the notice would be served on the governor within the next seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.

Relying on Section 188 of the Constitution, the Majority Leader outlined seven allegations of gross misconduct against the governor. These include the alleged demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary expenditures, withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and refusal to comply with Supreme Court rulings on the financial autonomy of the legislature.

Similarly, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, presented a notice of alleged gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

The allegations against the deputy governor include reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties, and conniving to allow unauthorised individuals to occupy offices without proper screening by the legitimate Assembly.

Other accusations levelled against her include seeking budgetary approval from persons other than the recognised Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as the alleged seizure of salaries and allowances due to the Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission.

Further developments are expected as the impeachment process unfolds.