The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, has described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “a mistake,” amid escalating tensions between the executive and the legislature.
Amaewhule made the remark during plenary on Thursday, noting that Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are reportedly the only executive leadership in the country yet to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill. He spoke as the Assembly formally commenced impeachment proceedings against both officials.
In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Speaker, at the House’s 59th Legislative Sitting, pledged to transmit notices of allegations of gross misconduct—signed by 26 members of the Assembly—against the Governor and his deputy.
The notices, which list eight allegations of gross misconduct against each of the officials, along with accompanying particulars, were read on the floor of the House by the Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack, and the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, respectively.
Receiving the notices, Amaewhule assured that the Assembly would adhere strictly to the constitutional process as stipulated under Section 188.
The Assembly also condemned what it described as the Governor’s continued refusal to abide by the terms of agreements reached during peace meetings brokered by President Bola Tinubu at various times.
Commenting on the motion, the Speaker accused Governor Fubara of persistently disregarding agreements and lacking respect for the office of the President. Based on what he termed the Governor’s antecedents, Amaewhule said it had become clear that “it was a mistake to have him as the Governor of Rivers State.”
