Twenty-six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have submitted a formal notice alleging gross misconduct by the Deputy Governor.
The legislators stated their action complies with constitutional requirements. “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office,” read the notice received by Channels Television on Monday.
Following receipt of the allegations, Speaker Martin Amaewhule transmitted the notice to Governor Fubara, noting that it was submitted by 26 lawmakers, “which is not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
The Speaker instructed Governor Fubara to “reply to the allegations made against you in the said Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct accordingly.”
Amaewhule reminded the Governor of relevant constitutional provisions: “In doing this, your attention is drawn to the provisions of Section 188(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides thus: ‘Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by 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.'”
The Speaker concluded with, “Please be guided accordingly and do accept my esteemed regards.”