The political temperature in Rivers State has risen sharply as the State House of Assembly has raised an alarm over an alleged conspiracy to use the judiciary to cripple its constitutional functions. The Assembly claims certain individuals are plotting to obtain ex-parte orders from courts outside Port Harcourt to stop it from performing its duties, including the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
Assembly Sounds Alarm Over Alleged Judicial Interference
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Sunday, January 11, 2026, and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, the legislature said it had received credible intelligence about the plot. The Assembly warned that the aim is to secure court orders that would prevent it from carrying out its legislative responsibilities.
This allegation comes against the backdrop of an escalating constitutional confrontation. The crisis deepened on Thursday, January 8, 2026, when the House, via a motion by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, resolved to probe the governor's financial and administrative activities. Lawmakers accused Governor Fubara of serious violations, including:
- Failing to submit the mandatory Mid-Term Expenditure Framework as required by law.
- Authorizing the expenditure of public funds without prior legislative appropriation.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, insisted that due process would be followed and that the impeachment proceedings would be pursued to a logical conclusion. Official notices of allegations of gross misconduct have been formally served on both the governor and his deputy, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Constitutional Standoff and Warnings from Elders
The Assembly, in its latest statement, cited specific constitutional provisions to bolster its position. It referenced Section 272(5), which grants the Federal High Court jurisdiction over tenure disputes, and Section 188(10), which bars courts from questioning impeachment proceedings by a House of Assembly. The statement also pointed to a recent Court of Appeal judgment that nullified a similar ex-parte order from a Rivers State High Court.
"A word is enough for the wise," the Assembly cautioned, urging those involved to desist from actions that undermine the constitution. It advised officials served with impeachment notices to respond to the allegations "item by item" instead of resorting to what it called subterranean moves or media attacks.
However, the move to impeach the governor has drawn significant criticism. The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum, in a statement by its Acting Chairman and former Deputy Governor, Gabriel Toby, described the impeachment reasons as "disturbingly weak" and lacking in public interest justification. The forum warned that the action appears driven by narrow interests and could deepen political divisions, erode public trust, and destabilize a state still recovering from recent political disruptions.
Similarly, the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO) in the state, through its Chairman Sunny Dada and Secretary Dr. Chris Onyegbule, expressed concern that the tension could distort constitutional procedures into tools of conflict.
A State in Anticipation
Amid the raging storm, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his cabinet have maintained a conspicuous silence, not publicly addressing the impeachment notices or the Assembly's latest allegations. The Assembly has reiterated its commitment to constitutionalism and urged calm among the residents of Rivers State.
The situation presents a critical test for the rule of law and the separation of powers in one of Nigeria's most politically volatile states. All eyes are now on the responses from the governor and his deputy, and whether any legal challenges will materialize to halt the Assembly's determined course.
