The Rivers State House of Assembly has directed the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate allegations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, issued the directive on Friday, following a plenary session in which 25 lawmakers voted to proceed with impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy.
According to the Speaker, the decision was reached after the House considered allegations of gross misconduct leveled against the executive, including the alleged spending of state resources without legislative approval and abuse of office.
The Speaker said the constitution of the investigative panel is in line with constitutional provisions guiding impeachment proceedings and is aimed at ensuring due process and transparency.
The development marks a major escalation in the ongoing political crisis in the state, as the panel, once constituted, is expected to investigate the allegations and submit its findings to the House of Assembly for further legislative action.
