Full List of Allegations Against Governor Fubara Released by Rivers State House of Assembly

The political crisis in Rivers State escalated on Monday as the State House of Assembly formally served a notice of impeachment on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The notice includes a detailed list of allegations outlining what the lawmakers describe as a pattern of constitutional breaches, unlawful governance, and disobedience to court rulings by the Governor.

Among the major accusations is Governor Fubara’s failure to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly as required by Section 121 of the Nigerian Constitution. The Federal High Court and the Supreme Court have both ruled that no valid budget exists for Rivers State in 2024 or 2025. The courts further ordered the Governor to present a lawful appropriation bill to the Assembly and instructed the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation to suspend financial disbursements to the state pending compliance.

The Assembly also accused Fubara of authorizing unauthorized withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund and continuing state expenditures despite a resolution from the House halting all financial activities. These acts were described as violations of Sections 120 and 122 of the Constitution.

Another key allegation concerns the demolition of the Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt on December 13, 2023. Lawmakers claim the Governor personally ordered and supervised the destruction of the building, despite a subsisting court order prohibiting such action. The Federal High Court and the Supreme Court have both condemned the demolition, describing it as an attempt to sabotage the legislative arm of government and silence duly elected representatives.

Further charges include the appointment of commissioners, public officials, and other key positions in government without presenting nominees for screening and confirmation by the legitimate House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule. A total of 19 commissioners were allegedly sworn in without due process. Similar appointments were made in the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement and the Local Government Service Commission, which the Assembly argues violates both constitutional provisions and specific state laws.

The lawmakers also alleged that the Governor illegally withheld salaries of House members and staff since April 2024, including those of the Clerk of the Assembly. The Assembly claims this is part of a deliberate attempt to frustrate its operations, in defiance of clear court injunctions that prohibit the executive from interfering with the financial autonomy of the legislature.

In total, the notice of impeachment outlines 18 distinct allegations against Governor Fubara, supported by court judgments and constitutional references. The Speaker of the House emphasized that the Governor’s actions amount to a disregard for the rule of law and the principles of democratic governance.

Quoting a recent Supreme Court ruling, the Assembly concluded that “fear of impeachment does not justify unconstitutional acts.” The lawmakers assert that Governor Fubara’s conduct has undermined the separation of powers and threatens the stability of governance in Rivers State.