A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim order restraining the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, from receiving or acting on any correspondence from the Rivers State House of Assembly regarding the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
The court order, granted by Justice F. A. Fiberesima, also restrains the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, and 32 others from taking further steps in the impeachment process. This decision follows two separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and his deputy, challenging the Assembly’s move to impeach them.
The impeachment process was initiated by the Assembly, citing alleged gross misconduct and disobedience to the constitution. However, the governor and his deputy have denied the allegations, claiming the process is politically motivated.
The court has adjourned the matter to January 23, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice. The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership has cautioned the Chief Judge against playing into the hands of lawmakers, emphasizing the need for judicial independence.
