Port Harcourt, March 17, 2025 – The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, has confirmed receiving a Notice of Allegation of Gross Misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. The notice, signed by 26 lawmakers, was formally acknowledged during the House’s 137th Legislative Sitting on Monday.
According to Amaewhule, the notice, received on March 14, 2025, outlines five allegations against the governor and three against the deputy. In adherence to Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, the Speaker has distributed copies to lawmakers and forwarded them to the accused officials. To ensure the governor and his deputy are aware of the notice, the House resolved to publish it in at least three national newspapers if necessary.
In a related development, the Assembly, through a motion by Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, over alleged unauthorized expenditure of public funds without legislative approval.
Amaewhule emphasized that despite Governor Fubara’s reported directive barring heads of ministries, departments, and agencies from honoring Assembly invitations, the lawmakers remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities.
Additionally, the House amended its Standing Orders, allowing legislative sessions to be held on any day of the week, including emergencies, as long as they are properly convened by the Speaker.