Court Bars Rivers Assembly From Impeachment Move Against Fubara, Deputy
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyibo Local Government Area has issued an interim order of injunction restraining the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike-Amaewhule, and 32 others from taking further steps toward the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma-Odu.
The interim order was granted by Justice F.A. Fiberesima following an ex-parte motion filed in two separate suits instituted by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu.
In the ruling, the court specifically restrained the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, from receiving, forwarding, considering or in any way acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment, or any other document or communication from the 1st to the 27th defendants for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct against the governor and his deputy.
The injunction, according to the court, is to remain in force for a period of seven days.
The suit lists the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly as the 1st defendant, alongside 31 others, including the Clerk of the House. The Chief Judge of Rivers State is listed as the 32nd defendant.
Justice Fiberesima also granted leave to the claimants/applicants to serve the interim order, the originating processes in the suits, and all other subsequent court processes meant for the 1st to the 31st defendants by substituted means, specifically by pasting same at the gate of the Rivers State Assembly quarters.
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In addition, the court directed that service of the interim order and originating processes on the 32nd defendant, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, be effected through any staff of the Rivers State Judiciary at the Chief Judge’s Chambers within the High Court premises.
The court action followed recent steps by the Rivers State House of Assembly aimed at invoking constitutional provisions to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy, a development that has deepened the political tension in the state.
After granting the interim reliefs sought by the claimants, Justice Fiberesima adjourned the matter to January 23, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.
The ruling effectively places a temporary halt on all impeachment-related actions pending further determination by the court, as political observers closely watch the unfolding legal and political battle in Rivers State.
