A Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyibo Local Government Area temporarily halts the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma-Odu, intervening in the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The court issues an interim injunction restraining the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 32 other defendants from taking further steps to advance the impeachment, Mediaplusng.com reports. Those restrained include the Clerk of the House and the Chief Judge of Rivers State.
In its ruling delivered in Port Harcourt, the court specifically bars the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, from receiving, processing, considering, or acting on any impeachment-related request or resolution from the House of Assembly. The order also prevents the constitution of any investigative panel linked to the impeachment move.
Justice Florence Fiberesima grants the interim injunction after hearing a motion ex parte filed separately by Governor Fubara and his deputy. According to Mediaplusng.com, the injunction remains in force for seven days, pending the determination of the substantive issues before the court.
The suits, marked OYHC/7/CS/2026 and OYHC/6/CS/2026, challenge the legality and procedure of the impeachment process initiated by the House of Assembly. The applicants argue that the actions taken by the lawmakers violate constitutional provisions and due process.
As part of the ruling, the court grants leave for substituted service of court processes on the defendants. Justice Fiberesima directs that the interim order and originating processes be served on the first to the 31st defendants by pasting copies at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters.
The court also orders that the Chief Judge, listed as the 32nd defendant in the suits, be served through any staff of the Rivers State Judiciary at his chambers within the High Court premises. This, the judge notes, ensures proper notification while maintaining procedural fairness.
Legal observers say the ruling effectively freezes the impeachment process, at least temporarily, and shifts the dispute from the political arena to the judiciary. The injunction prevents any immediate action that could escalate tensions within the state’s political space.
Justice Fiberesima adjourns the matter to January 23, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice. At that stage, all parties are expected to appear before the court to argue the merits of the case and respond to the claims raised by the governor and his deputy.
The impeachment move against Governor Fubara emerges amid deep divisions within the Rivers State political structure, particularly between the executive arm and the leadership of the House of Assembly. Analysts say the court’s intervention may provide a window for dialogue and de-escalation.
Supporters of the governor welcome the court order, describing it as a victory for constitutionalism and the rule of law. They argue that the impeachment attempt is politically motivated and lacks proper legal foundation.
On the other hand, allies of the Assembly leadership insist that the lawmakers are acting within their constitutional powers. They maintain that the court process will provide an opportunity to clarify legal and procedural issues surrounding the impeachment.
The development adds a new dimension to Rivers State’s political crisis, as legal proceedings now take centre stage. With the impeachment process on hold, attention turns to the courtroom, where the future of the governor and his deputy will be further contested.
As the January 23 hearing approaches, political actors, civil society groups, and residents of Rivers State closely watch the unfolding legal battle, which many see as critical to the state’s political stability and democratic governance.
