The political tension in Rivers State escalated sharply on Friday after a High Court issued an interim order blocking fresh impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
The ruling came just hours after the Rivers State House of Assembly resolved to intensify impeachment proceedings.
Sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State High Court restrained the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, from receiving or acting on any impeachment-related communication from the Assembly.
The order immediately stalled the Assembly’s plan to set up a seven-man investigative panel. Earlier in the day, lawmakers had unanimously voted to continue the impeachment process.
All 25 members present supported the motion, including four lawmakers who had earlier pushed for dialogue. In a letter signed by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the Assembly invoked constitutional powers.
The letter stated: “I write to request that you appoint a panel of seven (7) persons to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct against His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.”
However, following separate suits filed by the governor and his deputy, Justice F.A. Fiberesima intervened.
He restrained the Speaker, the Clerk of the Assembly, and other defendants from acting on impeachment notices.
“The Chief Judge of Rivers State is hereby restrained from receiving or acting upon any impeachment-related communication from the Assembly,” the court ruled.
The injunction is to last for seven days, pending further hearing. Justice Fiberesima explained that the order was needed to preserve the status quo.
He adjourned the matter to January 23, 2026, for a substantive hearing.
Governor Fubara and his deputy argued that the impeachment process was unconstitutional and politically driven.
Their lawyers warned it could disrupt governance in the oil-rich state. Meanwhile, lawmakers defended their insistence on impeachment.
Hon. Looloo Opuende alleged that the governor was secretly encouraging constituents to recall legislators.
“While the impeachment process was going on, the governor was busy paying our constituents to withdraw us from the Assembly,” he claimed.
“If you wanted peace, you should have called the leadership of the Assembly.”
The governor’s camp denied the allegation. His senior special assistant on political matters, Dr. Darlington Oji, said simply, “I am not aware.”
Oji also accused lawmakers of hypocrisy over funding issues.
“Can you ask them, the N350m naira that was given to each of them for their constituency project, where did it come from?” he asked.
In addition, lawmakers who once urged reconciliation have reversed their stance. Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi said continued impeachment was necessary to protect democracy.
“We consider this a slap to the Supreme Court and we must defend the institution of the legislature,” she said.
Others accused the executive of intimidation and constitutional violations.
The Rivers State impeachment crisis now sits at the center of national attention. Therefore, legal battles and political maneuvering are expected to intensify in the coming days.
