....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday commenced fresh moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Oduh.

Naija News reports that lawmakers led by Majority Leader Major Jack levelled eight allegations against Governor Fubara

The Governor was accused of: (1) reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds; (2) unconstitutional misappropriation of public funds; (3) hindering the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties; (4) illegal appointment of persons without screening by the Assembly as required by the constitution; and (5) seizure of salaries and funds meant for lawmakers.

Other allegations include: (6) seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi; (7) refusal to implement constitutional provisions on the financial autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary; and (8) withholding of funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, thereby hindering its operations.

Procedure to impeach a governor in Nigeria

1. Notice of allegations

A written notice alleging gross misconduct must be signed by at least one-third (1/3) of the members of the State House of Assembly. The notice is then presented to the Speaker.

2. Service of notice

The Speaker must serve the notice on the Governor within seven days. The notice must clearly outline the specific allegations.

3. Resolution to investigate

Within 14 days of receiving the notice, the House votes on whether to investigate. The motion requires the support of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of all members. If it fails, the process ends immediately.

4. Constitution of an investigation panel

If the motion passes, the Speaker requests the Chief Judge of the State to constitute a seven-member panel. Members must be individuals of unquestionable integrity and must not be politicians or public servants.

5. Investigation by the panel

The panel has three months to investigate the allegations. The Governor has the right to defend himself personally or through lawyers. A fair hearing is mandatory.

6. Panel’s report

The panel submits its findings to the House. If no misconduct is found, the process ends. If misconduct is established, the House proceeds to the next step.

7. Final removal vote

The House must pass a resolution supported by at least two-thirds (2/3) of all members. Once passed, the Governor is immediately removed from office.

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu has refuted reports circulating on social media alleging that he has defected to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Speaking to New Telegraph on Thursday, Adamu dismissed the claims as false and an attempt to gain attention via social media.

He firmly stated, “I am not an ungrateful politician,” emphasizing his loyalty and commitment to his political journey.

Adamu, a two-term governor of Nasarawa State and Senator under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has a long-standing political career, having served as the Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He also played a pivotal role in the formation of the APC, helping steer the party to prominence before serving as its National Chairman in 2022.

The report that claimed Adamu had defected to ADC circulated widely online, suggesting the alleged move was the result of a deepening rift within the APC. The report cited months of quiet consultations and dissatisfaction with the internal direction of the APC. According to the report, Adamu’s exit would be a significant blow to the APC, given his status as one of its most influential figures since the party’s formation in 2015.

However, Adamu strongly rejected these claims, stating, “Don’t mind the social media reporter. They want to draw me out, but I have nothing to tell anybody. I am not an ungrateful politician. I served at the highest level of my party, and I am where I am today.”

Adamu served as National Chairman of the APC until his removal in 2023, following the general election that brought President Bola Tinubu into office. During his tenure, he was a strong supporter of Senate President Ahmed Lawan’s presidential bid under the APC platform.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says the only place that can hurt a sitting governor is the House of Assembly.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Akpabio made this statement on Thursday at a Public Lecture in honour of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, 57th Birthday Celebration.

His comment is coming following the controversy between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.

DAILY POST reports that the Assembly on Thursday initiated proceedings for the impeachment of Fubara.

Reacting, Akpabio said, “For those of you who may not understand politics, we were taught even while in school that the parliament can turn a women into a man and a man into a woman.

“When I was a governor, my greatest fear was my House of Assembly. So because of that, I never traveled anywhere without my Speaker. So anytime I don’t see him for a day, I would send somebody to his house to find out so he could come and have lunch with me then I would use idea to look at his face whether he was happy with me or not.

“So, the only place that can hurt a governor is the House of Assembly and no court or democracy can stop that from happening.”