A Rivers State High Court has stepped in to halt the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu. The court in Port Harcourt issued a significant interim order, effectively putting the legislative move on hold for seven days.
Court Orders Restrain Key Officials
In a decisive ruling, Justice F. A. Fiberesima barred the state's Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, from receiving or acting on any communication from the Rivers State House of Assembly related to the impeachment. This includes any letters, resolutions, or articles of impeachment.
The court also restrained the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Martin Amaewhule, and 32 other defendants from taking any further action connected to the impeachment initiative. The list of restrained parties includes the Clerk of the House. The order specifically prevents any attempt to set up a panel to investigate allegations of misconduct against the governor and his deputy.
Legal Basis and Next Steps
The interim injunctions were granted following motions ex-parte filed by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu. The suits, marked OYHC/7/CS/2026 and OYHC/6/CS/2026, challenge the legality of the steps taken by the House of Assembly.
Justice Fiberesima stated that the measures were necessary to preserve the subject matter of the suits until a full hearing could be held. The court also granted permission for substituted service of the court processes, ordering that documents be pasted at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters and served at the Chief Judge's Chambers.
The case has been adjourned to January 23, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice. This hearing will determine whether the temporary injunctions will be made permanent or set aside.
Deepening Political Crisis in Rivers
This court ruling adds a new layer to the ongoing political and legal tensions in Rivers State. The dispute between the executive arm led by Governor Fubara and the legislature under Speaker Amaewhule has been a source of significant public and judicial scrutiny.
The conflict resurfaces barely two months after the suspension of emergency rule and the reinstatement of democratic structures in the state. The Assembly had recently criticized the executive over the state of public school infrastructure, indicating that the rift extends beyond the impeachment proceedings.
The coming weeks, leading to the January 23 court date, are likely to see intensified legal maneuvers and political positioning as both sides prepare their arguments.
