In a shocking move that has sent tremors through the corridors of power in Rivers State, 26 lawmakers have signed a notice of impeachment against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Ordu. This dramatic development has thrown the state into a state of uncertainty, leaving many to wonder what’s next for the embattled governor and his deputy.
At the heart of the impeachment notice are allegations of gross misconduct and mismanagement of public funds, with the lawmakers citing alleged violations of Sections 120, 121, and 122 of the Constitution. The lawmakers argue that Fubara has failed to govern in accordance with the law and his oath of office, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
But what does it take to impeach a state governor or deputy governor in Nigeria? The process is complex and fraught with political intrigue, but here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:
The notice of allegations must be signed by at least one-third of the members of the state House of Assembly, stating the grounds for impeachment.
The notice is then served on the governor or deputy governor, who is given a chance to respond to the allegations. The state House of Assembly may then conduct an investigation into the allegations, gathering evidence and testimonies to build a case.
If the investigation finds merit in the allegations, the state House of Assembly may vote on whether to impeach the governor or deputy governor. A two-thirds majority vote is required for impeachment, a threshold that’s far from easy to reach.
If the governor or deputy governor is impeached, they are removed from office, and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly takes over as acting governor.
As the impeachment storm gathers momentum, Governor Fubara and his deputy face an uncertain future. Will they emerge unscathed, or will the lawmakers succeed in their bid to remove them from office? One thing’s for sure – the people of Rivers State will be watching with bated breath as this political drama unfolds.
