Impeachment of Fubara, deputy only solution to Rivers crisis – Lawmakers

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Lawmakers in the Rivers House of Assembly on Friday declared that they have no option but to continue with their move to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu over allegation of gross misconduct.

The lawmakers said this after they unanimously affirmed their resolution to impeach Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his deputy, Nma Odu during the plenary.

Consequently, the lawmakers resolved to write to the Chief Judge(CJ) of the State, as enshrined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

They are urging the CJ to constitute a seven-man investigative panel to examine the alleged gross misconduct leveled against the governor and his deputy.

They had at an earlier press conference accused Fubara of lack of sincerity in tackling the allegations they accused him.

The lawmakers accused Fubara of deploying blackmail and embarking on media campaign against them.

The Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, told journalists that Fubara lacked the trust needed to address the crisis rocking the oil-rich state.

They accused the governor of infringing on the 1999 Constitution and intimidating them.

As such, the lawmakers said they were left with no other choice but to apply their legislative power by impeaching Fubara.

They also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his intervention in the crisis.

“It is obvious that the only solution now is to apply the solution prescribed by the 1999 Constitution as altered, which is the impeachment of the incorrigible governor and the deputy governor,” Maol said.

“We therefore strongly appeal to leaders at all levels and the good people of Rivers State to kindly consider the problem at hand and understand that the impeachment process is the best way to go at this point.

“We are using this medium to call on the Speaker to allow the constitutional process to proceed unhindered. We thank our dear President, Bola Tinubu, who has demonstrated so much love for Rivers State. He did his best for the resolution of this impasse, but the governor and deputy governor are adamant,” the lawmaker added.

The members also called on the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, to reconvene the House.

Consequently, the lawmakers unanimously voted in support of investigation of the allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara and his deputy.

“This voting clearly shows the decision of the House,” Amaewhule declared.

The Speaker therefore asked the state Chief Judge to set up an panel of investigation.