The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday served a notice of alleged misconduct against the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

According to Channels TV, the lawmakers claimed in the notice that the action was in line with the Nigerian Constitution.

“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,” the notice read.

Although the assembly earlier denied any move to impeach Fubara, there have been speculations about plots to remove the governor.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, says any official probe by security agencies into Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, meeting in New York could bring unnecessary embarrassment to Nigeria.

Falana’s comment is coming following allegations by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the senator’s actions humiliated the government and people of Nigeria after Akpoti-Uduaghan reported her suspension to the international body.

The female lawmaker had recently accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her.

The allegation came amid her seating arrangement altercation with the senate president at the red chamber.

Senator Natasha was subsequently suspended from the senate for gross misconduct over the debacle.

She spoke at the IPU meeting on March 11 about the suspension, telling the international body that the action was designed to silence her over the sexual harassment allegations.

The Department of State Services, DSS, and the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, have reportedly launched an investigation into how the Kogi senator attended the IPU meeting in New York without an official nomination.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, Falana warned that the investigation by security forces risks exposing the country to needless embarrassment and undeserved ridicule.

“Finally, it is public knowledge that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio had accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of embarrassing the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by reporting her suspension by the senate to the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

“Contrary to the jaundiced views of the senate leader, it is the official probe of the circumstances of her trip by security forces that will expose Nigeria to needless embarrassment and undeserved ridicule

“Therefore, the SSS and NIA may study the report of the investigation of our illegal travelling by the Sani Abacha military junta before embarking on the futile attempt to probe senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for having the temerity to externalise the “internal affair of the senate,” Falana said.

Officers and men of the New Heaven Police Division, Enugu, have been cautioned to eschew corruption and embrace professionalism in line with international best practices.

The directive was issued during a lecture held at the division at weekend which followed a high-level briefing by the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP M.B. Giwa, with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across Enugu metropolis at the Police Headquarters.

During the lecture, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of New Heaven Division, Mr. Chijioke Ogbodo, a Superintendent of Police emphasized the importance of integrity and responsibility among officers, particularly those in patrol, guard duties, and investigative units.

He cautioned personnel against corrupt practices, reiterating that any form of misconduct would be sanctioned. He also urged officers to take full control of their Areas of Responsibility (AOR) and remain proactive in tackling security challenges.

“The CP has made it clear that corruption will not be tolerated, and every officer must take their responsibilities seriously to avoid blame,” SP Ogbodo stated.

He further highlighted key policing values, stressing that punctuality, neatness, alertness, and proactive measures remain the hallmark of effective 21st-century policing.

The lecture is part of the Enugu State Police Command’s ongoing efforts to enhance professionalism and service delivery within the force.

Daily Sun