By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Rivers State House of Assembly has invoked the provisions of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by formally asking the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The request, contained in a letter dated January 16, 2026, was signed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, who said the decision followed a resolution of the House taken during the 60th legislative day of the Third Session of the 10th Assembly.
According to Amaewhule, the House acted in compliance with Section 188(4) of the Constitution, which mandates the investigation of allegations once a notice has been properly laid before the legislature.
“The House resolved in compliance with Section 188(4) of the Constitution that these allegations be investigated,” the Speaker stated in the letter to the Chief Judge.
He formally requested the appointment of a seven-man investigative panel pursuant to Section 188(5), noting that the panel would examine allegations of gross misconduct levelled against the governor.
“I write to request that you appoint a panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct against His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS,” Amaewhule said.
The Speaker disclosed that all documents required for the investigation had been forwarded to the judiciary, including acknowledged copies of the Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct, the Rivers State Impeachment Panel (Conduct of Investigations) Procedure, 2025, and newspaper publications from national dailies.
Political observers say the step marks a critical phase in the impeachment process, as the panel’s findings will determine whether the Assembly can lawfully proceed against the governor and his deputy.
The development comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, with analysts warning that the unfolding impeachment process could significantly alter the balance of power between the executive and the legislature.