The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened as the State House of Assembly has leveled serious allegations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The State legislature accused him of multiple constitutional breaches, financial misconduct, and undermining the legislative arm of government.
In a detailed statement released on Monday, the Assembly outlined a series of infractions allegedly committed by the governor, including his refusal to properly present the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the House, unauthorized withdrawals from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, and failure to comply with judicial rulings.
The lawmakers accused Governor Fubara of violating Sections 120, 121, and 122 of the Nigerian Constitution by expending public funds without an approved budget.
The Supreme Court, in a ruling on February 28, 2025, affirmed a previous Federal High Court judgment that declared the state’s 2024 budget presentation and passage void.
The court consequently ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation to halt financial disbursements to Rivers State until a legally recognized Appropriation Bill is passed.
Another major charge against the governor was his alleged role in the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex on December 13, 2023.
According to the Assembly, this action violated a Federal High Court order that had expressly prohibited interference with the legislative institution.
The Supreme Court also condemned the demolition, stating that it was an attempt to suppress the Assembly’s activities.
The lawmakers further accused Governor Fubara of appointing individuals to key government positions without the required screening and confirmation by the Assembly.
These included commissioners, members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement, and officials of the Local Government Service Commission.
The appointments were allegedly carried out in defiance of court orders mandating that all nominations be submitted to the Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The statement also alleged that since April 2024, the governor has withheld funds allocated to the Rivers State House of Assembly, including the salaries of several lawmakers and the Clerk of the House.
This, according to the legislators, was a deliberate move to paralyze the Assembly’s functions and undermine its independence.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court criticized the governor’s actions, stating that his alleged fear of impeachment was not a justification for constitutional violations.
The court noted:
“Political disagreements cannot justify these attacks and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of a State or any person. What the Governor has done is to destroy the government because of fear of being impeached.”
The Assembly concluded its statement by asserting that Governor Fubara’s actions demonstrate an unwillingness to govern in accordance with the law and his oath of office.
The lawmakers called on relevant authorities to intervene and ensure adherence to constitutional principles in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the governor has yet to respond to these allegations.
