ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday formally urged the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The call followed a unanimous vote by lawmakers, who declared their resolve to press ahead with the impeachment process despite the deepening political crisis in the oil-rich state.
Earlier in the day, the legislators addressed a live press conference in Port Harcourt, during which they accused governor Fubara of resorting to blackmail and intimidation in his dealings with the Assembly.
Speaking on behalf of the House, the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, said the governor had lost the confidence and trust required to resolve the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
Maol accused the governor of breaching provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), arguing that the legislature had been left with no option but to invoke its constitutional powers to initiate impeachment proceedings.
According to him, the lawmakers had also observed persistent attempts by the governor and his deputy to intimidate members of the Assembly in a bid to halt the process.
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Accuses Fubara Of Constitutional Violations
Despite their hard stance, the legislators commended President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the crisis and attempting to broker peace between the executive and legislative arms.
“It is obvious that the only solution now is to apply the remedy prescribed by the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which is the impeachment of the incorrigible governor and the deputy governor,” Maol said.
“We therefore appeal strongly to leaders at all levels and the good people of Rivers State to carefully consider the situation and understand that impeachment is the best option available at this point,” he added.
Maol further called on the Speaker of the House to allow the constitutional process to proceed without obstruction.
“We are using this medium to call on the Speaker to allow the constitutional process to run unhindered. We thank our dear President, Bola Tinubu, who demonstrated genuine concern for Rivers State and did his best to resolve this impasse. Unfortunately, the governor and his deputy remain adamant,” he said.
The lawmakers also urged the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, to reconvene the House to enable legislative business to continue.
Shortly after the live press briefing, the lawmakers proceeded to the chambers for the commencement of a parliamentary session.
During plenary, the Assembly unanimously voted in favour of investigating the allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy.
Announcing the outcome, Speaker Martin Amaewhule described the vote as a clear reflection of the will of the House and formally called on the Chief Judge of Rivers State to constitute a panel of investigation in line with constitutional provisions.
“This voting clearly shows the decision of the House,” Amaewhule said.