Unveiling Fubara’s 19 Sins by Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has leveled 19 allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. These allegations, signed by 26 lawmakers, were submitted to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, on March 17, 2025, citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution as the basis for their action.
Key Allegations Against Governor Fubara:
- Failure to Present the 2024 Appropriation Bill: The governor allegedly did not present the 2024 budget to the House of Assembly, violating Section 121(1)(2) of the Constitution.
- Unauthorized Withdrawals: Approving financial withdrawals from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund without an appropriation law, contravening Section 120 of the Constitution.
- Violation of Legislative Expenditure Halt: Continuing expenditures despite a legislative resolution in July 2024 halting government spending, undermining the Assembly’s authority.
- Disregard for Supreme Court Ruling: Ignoring a February 2025 Supreme Court judgment that reaffirmed the absence of a valid 2024 budget and ordered a halt to financial disbursements until a lawful budget was passed.
- Obstruction of Legislative Functions: Hindering the Assembly from performing its constitutional duties, violating the separation of powers.
- Demolition of Assembly Complex: Ordering and supervising the demolition of the Assembly complex in December 2023, defying a Federal High Court ruling that mandated its preservation.
- Unconstitutional Appointments: Appointing officials without the required legislative screening and confirmation.
- Contempt of Court in Appointments: Making appointments despite a Federal High Court order prohibiting bypassing the Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule.
- Illegal Swearing-in of Commissioners: Swearing in individuals as commissioners without legislative screening, including appointments made in May, August, and October 2024.
- Unlawful Appointments to Public Procurement Bureau: Appointing officials to the state’s Bureau on Public Procurement without following due legislative processes.
- Illegal Constitution of Local Government Service Commission: Appointing members without the Assembly’s confirmation, violating state laws.
- Disregard for Legislative Communications: Ignoring official letters from the Assembly demanding a reversal of illegal appointments.
- Withholding Lawmakers’ Salaries: Ceasing the payment of salaries to certain lawmakers since April 2024, allegedly as a punitive measure against Assembly members who opposed him.
- Seizure of Assembly Funds: Withholding funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly since April 2024, allegedly to cripple its activities and override a Federal High Court judgment affirming the Assembly’s legitimacy.
- Illegal Swearing-in of Additional Commissioners: Swearing in 19 individuals as commissioners without legislative approval, misleading the public about their legitimacy.
- Unlawful Appointments to Public Procurement Bureau: Appointing members without Assembly screening and confirmation.
- Illegal Appointments to Local Government Service Commission: Engaging persons as members without Assembly confirmation.
- Failure to Respond to Assembly Communications: Ignoring multiple official letters from the Assembly demanding a reversal of illegal appointments.
- Financial Mismanagement: Engaging in reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds without proper authorization.
Government’s Response:
The Rivers State government, through Commissioner for Information Warisenibo Johnson, has called on the lawmakers to reconsider their actions and embrace the governor’s peace efforts. Johnson warned that failure to do so could lead to “avoidable calamities” affecting the state’s economic, social, and political stability.
This development has intensified the political climate in Rivers State, with potential implications for governance and leadership.