Amid rising political tension in Rivers State, a High Court sitting in Oyigbo has ordered a temporary suspension of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Fiberesima, restrains the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and its clerk from taking any action on the impeachment process until the court determines the suit filed by the governor and his deputy.
The court’s interim order specifically prevents the receipt, consideration, or forwarding of any resolutions, notices, or communications related to the alleged impeachment for seven days. The case has been adjourned to January 23, 2026, for further hearing.
The ruling follows a move by the Assembly to continue with the impeachment process, insisting on empaneling a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara and Odu.
In a letter to the Chief Judge, Amaewhule cited Section 188(4) of the Nigerian Constitution, emphasizing the Assembly’s constitutional mandate to investigate claims of misconduct, including alleged misappropriation of public funds and obstruction of legislative duties.
In a dramatic development, four lawmakers who had earlier opposed the impeachment and called for dialogue have reversed their position, aligning with their colleagues to pursue the removal of the governor and his deputy.
Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, reading a statement on Friday, described the governor as “incorrigible” and urged citizens and leaders to recognize impeachment as the appropriate constitutional remedy.
Despite the Assembly’s push, Darlington Orji, Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Governor Fubara, dismissed the impeachment move, calling it baseless and lacking merit.
Orji denied that the governor had been formally served with impeachment notices and maintained that public sentiment did not support the process.
Orji further addressed allegations of illegal appointments and financial disputes, asserting that all appointments made by Governor Fubara were constitutionally valid and properly cleared by the Assembly leadership.
He also noted that lawmakers had already received constituency allocations, including vehicles and project funds, and that there was no need for a supplementary budget.
The court’s order represents a significant judicial intervention in the political standoff, temporarily halting actions that could further escalate tensions in the state.
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