By Deborah Nnamdi
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued an interim order restraining the Chief Judge of the state from taking any steps towards the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The order followed recent moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly, which had formally requested the Chief Judge to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct levelled against the governor and his deputy.
The lawmakers had on Friday adopted the resolution through a unanimous vote, insisting that the impeachment process would proceed despite what they described as attempts by the governor to intimidate and blackmail the legislature. In a statement issued by the Speaker of the House, Martins Chike Amaewhule, and forwarded to the Chief Judge on January 16, the Assembly requested the constitution of an investigative panel in line with constitutional provisions.
However, in a dramatic twist, the High Court on Friday restrained the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, from receiving, forwarding, considering, or acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment, or other documents aimed at constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy.
The interim order, which is to last for seven days, was granted by the presiding judge, Justice F. A. Fiberesima, while ruling on a motion ex parte in two separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu.
Justice Fiberesima also granted leave to the claimants to serve the interim order and other originating court processes in Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026 and Suit No. OYHC/6/CS/2026 on the first to 31st defendants by substituted means, through pasting of the court papers at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters.
The development has temporarily stalled the impeachment process, pending further hearing by the court.
