Amanze Chinonye
The deepening political crisis in Rivers State entered a decisive legal phase on Friday, with a High Court order temporarily freezing the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, even as the House of Assembly formally activated the next constitutional step by writing to the Chief Judge.
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice F. A. Fiberesima, granted an interim injunction restraining the Chief Judge of Rivers State from receiving or acting on any impeachment notice against the governor and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
What the Court Order entail
The interim order followed two separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and his deputy through motions ex parte, after members of the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated steps to commence impeachment proceedings.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelJustice Fiberesima restrained the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, from receiving, forwarding, considering, or acting upon any request, resolution, articles of impeachment, or related correspondence from the Assembly or its officers for the purpose of constituting an investigative panel under Section 188 of the Constitution.
The restraint, which is for an initial period of seven days, effectively blocks the Chief Judge from performing the constitutional function required to move the impeachment beyond the notice stage.
The court also granted leave for substituted service of court processes on the Speaker and 31 other defendants by pasting the documents at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters. Processes meant for the Chief Judge were ordered to be served through any judicial staff at his chambers within the High Court premises.
The matter was adjourned to January 23, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
READ ALSO : Rivers Impeachment Crisis Deepens as Assembly Insists on Fubara’s Removal
Assembly’s Letter and the Case It Makes
Despite the subsisting court order, the Rivers State House of Assembly on January 16 formally wrote to the Chief Judge requesting the appointment of a seven-man investigative panel pursuant to Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
In the letter signed by Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule, the House said the request followed a resolution taken at the 60th legislative day of the Third Session of the 10th Assembly, in compliance with Section 188(4) of the Constitution.
The Assembly stated that the allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara had been duly laid before it and that the House had resolved that they be investigated.
To support the request, the Speaker disclosed that documents forwarded to the Chief Judge included:
- acknowledged copies of the notice of allegations of gross misconduct,
- acknowledged copies of the forwarding letter transmitting the allegations,
- copies of the Rivers State Impeachment Panel (Conduct of Investigations) Procedure, 2025, and
- photocopies of newspaper publications from The Guardian, Saturday Sun, The Nation, among others.
The Assembly said the materials were attached “for the use of the Panel,” signalling its readiness to proceed once the panel is constituted.
Legal and Institutional Implications
The parallel existence of a restraining court order and a formal legislative request has placed the Chief Judge at the centre of the crisis, with legal experts warning that any action taken in defiance of the interim injunction could expose parties to contempt proceedings.
While the Assembly insists it has acted strictly within constitutional provisions, the court order has temporarily stalled the impeachment process at its most critical procedural point, shifting the battle from the Assembly floor to the courtroom.
All eyes are now on the January 23 hearing, which is expected to determine whether the impeachment effort can proceed or remain suspended under judicial oversight.
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.
