By Laraba MUREY
The Rivers State House of Assembly has laid its case against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, in a notice accusing the duo of alleged misconduct.
In a notice sent to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, on Monday, 26 members of the assembly made the misconduct allegation against Fubara and his deputy.
The lawmakers say their action is in tandem with “Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other existing laws.”
The offences they alleged against the governor include reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstructing the Assembly’s activities, and appointing individuals to government positions without the required screening and confirmation.
Other allegations include withholding salaries, allowances and funds meant for the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as seizing the salary of the Clerk,
The lawmakers also accused Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu of “conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to government positions without the required screening and confirmation.”
Upon receiving the notice, Amaewhule forwarded it to Fubara, stating that the allegations were raised by “not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
He then asked the governor to respond to the allegations, referencing Section 188(3) of the Constitution, which states, “Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice), the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate, whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.”
