The political atmosphere in Rivers State heightened on Thursday as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.

During plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations against the governor.

Citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Mr. Jack outlined seven allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara. These include the demolition of the Assembly complex, alleged extra-budgetary spending, the withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and a refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature.

A total of 26 members of the House signed the notice.

Following the presentation of the notice, Speaker Amaewhule said it would be served on the governor within seven days, in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Subsequently, the Deputy Leader of the House, Ms. Linda Stewart, presented a separate notice of gross misconduct against the deputy governor, Dr. Odu.

The allegations against the deputy governor include reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, obstruction of the House from carrying out its constitutional duties, and connivance in allowing unauthorised persons to occupy offices without proper screening by the legitimate House of Assembly.

Other accusations include allegedly seeking budgetary approval from another group rather than the recognised Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as the seizure of salaries and allowances due to the Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission.