Rivers Assembly Moves to Trigger Impeachment Process Against Governor Fubara

The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally initiated the constitutional process that could lead to the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following a request to the Chief Judge of the state to constitute an investigative panel.

The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, made the request in a letter asking the Chief Judge to appoint a seven-member panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct levelled against the governor. The move comes after a resolution by lawmakers invoking provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

According to the letter, which has been widely circulated, the Assembly relied on Section 188(5) of the Constitution, which empowers the Chief Judge to set up a panel once an impeachment notice has been duly served and adopted by the legislature.

Sources at the Assembly confirmed that the Speaker’s office transmitted supporting documents alongside the request, including the notice of allegations against the governor, outlined procedures guiding impeachment panels in Rivers State, and evidence of the statutory newspaper publication of the allegations.

The request marks a critical stage in the impeachment process, as the panel if constituted will be mandated to investigate the allegations and submit its findings within the timeframe prescribed by law.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the office of the Chief Judge, while the Rivers State Government is yet to issue a formal statement on the development.

The unfolding process is being closely monitored by political stakeholders and residents, given its potential implications for governance and political stability in the state.