The Rivers State House of Assembly has taken the first step towards impeaching Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by issuing a notice of “gross misconduct” against them.

This development is the latest in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which stems from a power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The notice, signed by 26 members of the assembly, accuses Fubara of “reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds” and hindering the assembly’s functions. The lawmakers also claim that the governor has shown no willingness to govern the state in accordance with the constitution and his oath of office.

This move is part of the impeachment proceedings, which are outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

The assembly’s action follows a series of events, including a Supreme Court ruling that upheld a federal high court decision barring the release of Rivers State’s statutory monthly allocations.

The crisis in Rivers State has been escalating, with the assembly adjourning plenary indefinitely and the governor’s attempts to meet with lawmakers being rebuffed.

The situation has raised concerns about the stability of the state’s government and the potential consequences of the impeachment proceedings.