Amanze Chinonye
The political crisis rocking Rivers State intensified on Monday after the House of Assembly alleged attempts by unnamed political actors to frustrate the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara through restraining orders from courts outside Port Harcourt.
The Assembly said it had received “credible information” indicating that moves were underway to secure court injunctions aimed at halting the impeachment process, warning that such actions could undermine constitutional governance and legislative authority.
The allegation was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi Alabo George, as tensions between the executive and legislature continued to escalate.
Join our WhatsApp Channel
According to the lawmakers, impeachment is a constitutionally defined legislative process and any judicial intervention at this stage would amount to interference in the internal affairs of the House.
The Assembly insisted that the proceedings were being conducted strictly in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and vowed to resist any attempt to derail the process through what it described as forum shopping.
As earlier reported by Prime Business Africa, the standoff escalated last Thursday when the House, acting on a motion sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, resolved to investigate the financial and administrative activities of Governor Fubara.
READ ALSO : Rivers Minority Leader, Another Lawmaker Back Out of Fubara Impeachment
Impeachment Grounds Laid Bare: Rivers Assembly Lists Eight Allegations Against Fubara
Lawmakers accused the governor of failing to present the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework, a statutory requirement, and of authorising the expenditure of public funds without legislative approval.
They argued that the alleged actions constituted grave breaches of constitutional provisions and undermined the legislature’s oversight role.
Addressing the Assembly, Speaker Martin Amaewhule said the House would adhere strictly to due process and allow the law to take its full course, Prime Business Africa reports.
He stressed that the impeachment proceedings would be pursued to their logical conclusion, dismissing suggestions that the legislature could be pressured into abandoning the process.
Following the sitting, an impeachment notice against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, circulated widely on social media, heightening political tension across the state.
The Assembly later confirmed that impeachment proceedings against both officials were ongoing and that formal notices containing allegations of gross misconduct had been forwarded to them.
In a statement issued on Friday, and signed by George, the House said the process was “fully on course in line with the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara called for calm among residents, urging them not to allow the political dispute to threaten peace and stability in the state.
The governor made the appeal during a church service held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, where he assured the congregation that “everything will be fine.”
Fubara said his decision to remain largely silent amid the unfolding events was deliberate, describing the impeachment process as a distraction. He added that his confidence was rooted in his faith.
He later invited his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu who had earlier read the first lesson at the service to address the congregation.
As the crisis deepens, regional and civic groups have stepped in, raising concerns about the wider implications of prolonged political instability in Rivers State.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has constituted a reconciliation committee to mediate the dispute, citing fears that instability in Rivers could reverberate across the Niger Delta.
Similarly, the Niger Delta Congress (NDC) has condemned the impeachment move, describing it as a contrived effort to destabilise the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, and signed by its National Spokesperson, Mudiaga Ogboru, the group warned against turning Rivers State into a battleground for personal ambition, urging political actors to respect the electoral mandate of the governor.
With allegations of court interference, internal dissent within the legislature, and growing regional concern, analysts say the Rivers impeachment crisis has moved beyond a routine executive-legislative dispute.
As pressure mounts for dialogue and restraint, attention now shifts to whether the impeachment process advances to its decisive stages or gives way to reconciliation a decision observers say could shape Rivers State’s political stability in the months ahead.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
