Rivers House Of Assembly Gives Deputy Governor 14 Days To Reply To Allegations Of Gross Misconduct
The nature of the allegations against Prof. Odu was not mentioned, however, the Assembly’s move signals a development in Rivers State’s political battle in the state between the governor and the assembly members.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has called on Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, to respond to allegations of gross misconduct levelled against her.
In a statement issued on Monday, Speaker, Martin Chike Amaewhule, cited Section 188(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that within 14 days of presenting the notice to the Speaker, the House must decide — without debate —whether the allegations warrant further investigation.
The nature of the allegations against Prof. Odu was not mentioned, however, the Assembly’s move signals a development in Rivers State’s political battle in the state between the governor and the assembly members.
The statement read, “I received a copy of the Notice dated 14th day of March, 2025 of allegations of gross misconduct brought against you by twenty-six (26) members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Pursuant to Section 188 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hereby forward to your Excellency, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu DSSRS, a copy of the said Notice of Allegation of Gross Misconduct received by me on the 14th day of March 2025, copy attached.
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“You are requested to reply to the allegations made against you in the said Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct accordingly. 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.”
“Please be guided accordingly and do accept my esteemed regards.”
Meanwhile, in a notice of allegations of gross misconduct filed by the 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, dated March 14, 2025, through the Clerk of the House, the lawmakers accused Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, of acts of gross misconduct in the performance of her official duties.
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According to 26 members, “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.
“Mr. Speaker, we conclude by stating that the Governor has shown that he is not prepared to govern Rivers State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and his oath of office.
“The Supreme Court in Suit No.: SC/CV/1174/2024 condemned his actions when it stated that “the 8th respondents fear of impeachment by the House of Assembly is no justification for his attacks on the House of Assembly, the Constitution, the Government of Rivers State and the rule of law.
“Political disagreements cannot justify these attacks and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of a State or any person. What the 8th respondent has done is to destroy the government because of fear of being impeached,” they stated.
