Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, escalating the  political crisis in the state.

The move was taken on Thursday during a plenary session in Port Harcourt.

The lawmakers also initiated a separate impeachment process against the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Oduh.

The proceedings were presided over by the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule.

During the session, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read a notice of allegations accusing Governor Fubara of gross misconduct.

Lawmakers said the notice was backed by no fewer than 26 members of the Assembly and was prepared in line with constitutional provisions.

Speaker Amaewhule announced that the notice would be formally served on the governor within seven days to allow him respond as required by law.

A similar notice was read against the deputy governor by the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart. The House resolved to follow the same legislative process in her case.

The development is the latest twist in the ongoing political rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, a dispute that has continued to divide the state’s political structure and the Assembly.