Stalemate in Rivers Deepens as Assembly Pushes Impeachment of Fubara, Deputy Despite Court Order

The political crisis in Rivers State escalated on Friday as the State House of Assembly moved ahead with plans to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, even as a High Court issued an interim order restraining the process.

Earlier in the day, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt granted an interim injunction barring the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, from receiving or acting on any request from the House of Assembly related to the impeachment of the governor and his deputy.

Despite the court action, the Assembly, upon resuming plenary, unanimously resolved to proceed with the impeachment process. All 25 lawmakers present voted by a show of hands to continue the process, including four members who had previously advocated for a political resolution to the crisis.

The House subsequently wrote to the Chief Judge, requesting the constitution of a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy, in line with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The letter was signed by the Speaker, Hon. Martin Amaewhule.

The letter stated in part:
“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, the Governor of Rivers State pursuant to section 188(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

However, following two separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu, Justice F.A. Fiberesima of the High Court in Oyibo Local Government Area restrained the Speaker, the Clerk of the Assembly and 32 others, including the Chief Judge, from “receiving, forwarding, considering, and/or acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment, or other communication” connected to the impeachment process.

Justice Fiberesima ruled that the interim injunction, which is to last for seven days, was necessary to preserve the status quo pending further hearing. He specifically ordered that “the Chief Judge of Rivers State is hereby restrained from receiving or acting upon any impeachment-related communication from the Assembly for the purpose of constituting an investigative panel against the Governor and his Deputy.”

The court also granted leave for substituted service of the court processes on the defendants and adjourned the matter to January 23, 2026, for hearing of the substantive motion.

Governor Fubara and his deputy had approached the court seeking protection against what they described as “unconstitutional attempts” to remove them from office. Their lawyers argued that the impeachment move was politically motivated and posed a threat to governance in the state.

Lawmakers explain decision to proceed

Meanwhile, Rivers lawmakers explained why they resolved to continue with the impeachment process. Hon. Looloo Opuende, representing Akuku Toru Constituency II, alleged that while stakeholders were exploring a political solution, Governor Fubara was allegedly working “underground” to induce constituents to recall lawmakers from the Assembly.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Opuende said:
“While the impeachment process was going on, the governor was busy paying our constituents to withdraw us from the Assembly. Is that the right thing to do?

“If you wanted peace, you should have called the leadership of the Assembly and discussed with them. Impeachment is a constitutional matter. I support and urge the speaker to reconstitute the House for the process to continue.”

When contacted, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Dr. Darlington Oji, denied knowledge of the allegation, saying simply, “I am not aware.”

Oji, however, reiterated earlier claims that lawmakers received N350 million each for constituency projects, questioning why such funds were accepted if they were allegedly not appropriated. He also noted that some lawmakers rejected a N100,000 Christmas welfare payment on the grounds that it was not appropriated.

Four lawmakers who had earlier called for a political settlement later withdrew their position. Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II said the governor and his deputy were “adamant” and allegedly continued with “illegal actions.”

“We consider this a slap to the Supreme Court and we must defend the institution of the legislature,” she said.

Similarly, Hon. Barile Nwakoh of Khana Constituency I alleged that the executive was trying to intimidate lawmakers into abandoning the process. “This is very bad for our democracy. On this note, we must proceed with the process,” she said.

Recall that on January 8, the Assembly issued impeachment notices against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, including extra-budgetary spending exceeding ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.

During Friday’s plenary, the House voted on whether the allegations should be investigated, with all 25 lawmakers present voting in favour and none against.

Opinion Nigeria News