Rivers assembly’s actions against Fubara will disrupt governance, commissioner warns

Joseph Johnson, commissioner of information and communication in Rivers state, says the actions of the house of assembly against Siminalayi Fubara, the governor, could bring government operations to a standstill.

His comments follow the assembly’s decision on Monday to serve a notice of “gross misconduct” on Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The notice, which was signed by 26 lawmakers, is seen as the first step towards impeachment.

In a statement issued shortly after the notice was served, Johnson warned that the ongoing political crisis could have severe economic consequences for residents, particularly civil servants and retirees.

“It is glaringly clear that with the current actions of the House, the dire consequences and harsh realities that the civil servants, retirees and people of the state will face unimaginable economic hardships, as the government will be unable to pay salaries, pensions and other emoluments as well as perform other obligations at the end of the month, as both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation have been ordered to seize revenue allocations to the state until its judgment is fully implemented,” he said.

“The collateral damages of the actions of the legislative arm of government in Rivers will be so severe as non-release of warehoused revenues due the state from the Federation Account will ultimately ground the operation of all sectors of the government.”

Johnson said Fubara was willing to resubmit the 2025 budget and fully comply with the supreme court’s ruling to maintain peace in the state.

He urged the lawmakers to reconsider their actions, warning that continued tensions could lead to avoidable economic, social, and political crises for the people of Rivers state.