In a dramatic escalation of the political crisis in Rivers State, Nigeria, the State House of Assembly has listed 19 allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The allegations, signed by 26 lawmakers, were presented in an official notice in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
Among the infractions cited, the Assembly accused Fubara of failing to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the House, spending state funds without approval, obstructing the legislative arm of government, and illegally demolishing the State House of Assembly complex. The lawmakers further alleged that the governor had made unconstitutional appointments without legislative confirmation and withheld funds meant for the Assembly and its members.
Despite these accusations, the state government, through Commissioner for Information Joe Johnson, denied receiving any formal notice. Johnson dismissed the claims, stating that the lawmakers were frustrating Fubara’s efforts to implement a recent Supreme Court judgment and warning that their actions could plunge the state into economic and social turmoil.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command debunked widespread online reports of arson and riots linked to the political standoff. Police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko assured residents that there was no violence or unrest, urging the public to disregard false reports aimed at inciting panic.
