By Ayo Kehinde
The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has formally directed the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu.
The resolution was reached during plenary on Friday, following the adoption of a motion by lawmakers who cited relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution empowering the legislature to commence impeachment proceedings against a sitting governor or deputy governor, where allegations of misconduct arise.
Lawmakers said the decision was guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law, stressing that the move does not amount to a declaration of guilt but represents a procedural step to allow the allegations to be independently examined.
If constituted, the panel is expected to invite all parties involved, review evidence and submit its findings to the Assembly for further legislative action in line with constitutional requirements.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State, with political stakeholders and civil society organisations urging restraint and strict adherence to due process as the situation unfolds.
Earlier, the lawmakers addressed a live press conference in Port Harcourt, where they accused Governor Fubara of allegedly engaging in acts of blackmail and intimidation against the legislature. Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, said the governor had lost the trust required to resolve the political crisis in the oil-rich state.
The lawmakers further accused the governor of infringing on provisions of the Constitution, insisting that the Assembly was left with no option but to exercise its legislative powers, including impeachment, to safeguard democracy.
Four members of the Assembly who had earlier called for a political solution reportedly recanted their positions and declared support for the impeachment process.
As of the time of filing this report, Governor Fubara and his deputy had yet to issue official statements on the matter.
