The political crisis in Rivers State escalated dramatically on Friday, January 16, 2026, as the State House of Assembly took a decisive step towards removing the state's top officials from office.
Assembly Votes for Impeachment Panel, Court Intervenes
During a plenary session, lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly voted to direct the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, to immediately constitute a panel. This panel is tasked with investigating allegations of gross misconduct leveled against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The Assembly affirmed that the impeachment process remains firmly on course.
However, in a swift legal countermove, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt issued an interim injunction, putting the process on hold. Justice F.A. Fiberesima, presiding over two separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu, granted an order restraining the Speaker of the House, the Clerk, the Chief Judge, and 24 others from proceeding with the impeachment move for seven days.
The court order specifically bars the Chief Judge from receiving, forwarding, or acting on any request or resolution to form an investigative panel. Justice Fiberesima adjourned the case to January 23, 2026, for further hearing on the motion.
Lawmakers Make U-Turn, Assembly Insists on Unity
The political drama intensified with a significant reversal from four members of the Assembly. Legislators Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma), Peter Abbey (Degema), Barile Nwakoh (Khana I), and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor II), who had recently called for peaceful resolution, declared support for the impeachment on Friday.
They attributed their U-turn to what they described as the governor and deputy's lack of remorse and their failure to engage constructively, instead resorting to media ridicule. Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the four lawmakers dismissed speculation of internal division, insisting the House is united.
Impeachment Described as "Only Viable Solution"
The core group of 26 lawmakers, who had earlier endorsed the impeachment, reiterated their stance. In a choreographed media briefing at the Assembly Quarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, they dressed in traditional attire and took turns to address the press.
The Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, stated there was now a collective agreement to pursue impeachment, including from the members who had previously addressed the media. The lawmakers labeled Governor Fubara as "incorrigible" and maintained that impeachment was now unavoidable.
They appealed to leaders and the people of Rivers State to see the impeachment process as the appropriate constitutional step to resolve the political impasse. The allegations underpinning the move include the demolition of the Assembly Complex and the alleged unauthorized expenditure of public funds.
The legislators also called on the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, to reconvene the House to allow members to carry out their constitutional duties without obstruction. This development follows the Assembly's failure to reconvene as scheduled the previous Thursday, which had attracted widespread criticism.
The situation leaves Rivers State in a tense holding pattern, with the legislative push for impeachment now pitted against a judicial order, setting the stage for a crucial week ahead.
