The Rivers State House of Assembly has stated that President Bola Tinubu can only stop the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, if the Nigerian Constitution is amended, reinforcing the legislature’s firm stance on the matter.
The Assembly made its position known through its spokesperson, Enemi George, who dismissed suggestions that presidential intervention or political negotiations could halt the proceedings. According to him, the lawmakers are acting strictly within constitutional provisions and will not reverse their decision unless the legal framework guiding impeachment is altered.
The impeachment process was triggered following a notice of allegations signed by 26 lawmakers, accusing Governor Fubara of gross misconduct and constitutional breaches. The allegations include unauthorised expenditure of public funds, failure to present budget proposals for legislative approval, and actions that allegedly undermined the authority of the House.
Similar accusations were also levelled against the deputy governor, with lawmakers claiming she engaged in financial impropriety and obstructed legislative functions. These claims have further intensified the political standoff between the executive and the legislature in the state.
The Assembly’s declaration comes amid growing national attention on the Rivers political crisis, with some stakeholders calling on the president to intervene to prevent further escalation. However, the lawmakers insist that the impeachment process is a constitutional responsibility and not subject to external influence.
Legal analysts note that amending the Nigerian Constitution is a complex and lengthy process requiring approval from the National Assembly and a majority of state legislatures, making the Assembly’s condition highly demanding.
Meanwhile, supporters of Governor Fubara have criticised the impeachment move, warning that it could deepen political instability in the state. They have urged lawmakers to prioritise governance and dialogue over confrontation.
As events continue to unfold, the Rivers State House of Assembly has reiterated its resolve to proceed with the impeachment in line with constitutional provisions, unless its stated condition is met, further underscoring the depth of the political crisis in the state.
