The political tension in Rivers State intensified on Friday as the House of Assembly resolved to continue with plans to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, even as a state High Court moved to halt key steps in the process.
During plenary in Port Harcourt, the Assembly voted unanimously to proceed with impeachment proceedings. All 25 lawmakers present supported the motion, including four members who had earlier called for dialogue and a political settlement to the crisis.
Following the vote, the House transmitted a letter to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, requesting the constitution of a seven-member 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).
However, the impeachment move was immediately challenged in court. Acting on separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and his deputy, Justice F.A. Fiberesima of the High Court sitting in Oyibo granted an interim order restraining the Chief Judge from receiving or acting on any impeachment-related communication from the Assembly. The injunction, which is to last for seven days, was issued to preserve the status quo pending further hearing.
The court also restrained the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, the Clerk of the Assembly and other defendants from taking steps that could lead to the formation of an investigative panel. Justice Fiberesima adjourned the matter to January 23, 2026, for hearing of the substantive motion.
Governor Fubara and his deputy had approached the court, arguing that the impeachment process was unconstitutional and politically motivated, and warning that it could further destabilise governance in the state.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have defended their decision to proceed with impeachment. Speaking at a press conference at the Assembly’s temporary complex in Port Harcourt, Hon. Looloo Opuende, representing Akuku-Toru Constituency II, alleged that while some stakeholders were seeking a political resolution, the governor was working to encourage moves to recall certain lawmakers from their constituencies.
He argued that impeachment remains a constitutional option and accused the executive of failing to engage the Assembly sincerely to resolve the crisis.
Other lawmakers echoed similar views. Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II said the Assembly had initially considered a political solution but claimed the governor and his deputy remained unwilling to change course. Hon. Barile Nwakoh of Khana Constituency I also accused the executive of attempting to intimidate lawmakers into abandoning the process.
Reacting to the allegations, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Dr. Darlington Oji, said he was not aware of any effort to influence constituents to recall lawmakers. He also revisited earlier claims about funds released to lawmakers for constituency projects, questioning the consistency of objections raised by some legislators.
The impeachment notice earlier issued by the Assembly accuses the governor and his deputy of several acts of gross misconduct, including alleged extra-budgetary spending without legislative approval, withholding statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex and disregard for Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.
