BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Proceeds With Fubara's Impeachment as 4 Lawmakers Rescind Appeal, Back Govs Impeachment
The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday said they will proceed with the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The House stated this during an ongoing press conference in Port Harcourt.
For quite some time, the governor and the members of the Assembly have been embroiled in a political face-off.
Meanwhile, four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo (Minority Leader, Omuma Constituency), Hon. Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency), Hon. Barile Nwakoh (Khana I), and Hon. Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor II) have withdrawn their earlier appeal for restraint in the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers, led by Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, cited the Governor's lack of remorse and unwillingness to address allegations of gross misconduct as reasons for their change of stance.
In a statement, they expressed support for the impeachment process, citing constitutional provisions and alleging attempts to intimidate them through agencies like the EFCC.
According to them, "after careful consideration of unfolding events and the continued conduct of the Governor, we have come to the conclusion that there has been no demonstration of remorse, no meaningful engagement, and no effort to address the serious allegations of gross misconduct leveled against him.
"The Governor has shown no willingness to respect constitutional provisions, including but not limited to the timely presentation and proper appropriation of the state budget, adherence to due process in financial matters, and cooperation with the House of Assembly as required under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
"Furthermore, there have been attempts to intimidate members of this Honorable House through various agencies, including invitations and harassment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which we view as clear efforts to undermine the legislative arm and subvert democratic processes.
"These actions constitute a clear and present threat to democracy, the rule of law, and the overall governance of Rivers State.
"Therefore, we now fully align ourselves with, and give our unequivocal support to, the Rivers State House of Assembly in proceeding with the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, in strict compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution" he said.
The lawmakers urged stakeholders to allow the process to run its course, prioritizing the interest of Rivers State and its people.
