A Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo on Friday issued an interim injunction halting impeachment proceedings against Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The court restrained the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, the Clerk of the House and another official from sending any correspondence to the Chief Judge of Rivers State regarding the impeachment process.
Justice F.A. Fiberesima also barred the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, from receiving, considering or acting on any request, resolution or articles of impeachment from the defendants for seven days for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate alleged misconduct against the governor and his deputy.
The ruling followed a motion filed ex parte in two separate suits instituted by Fubara and Odu. The judge granted the applicants leave to serve the interim order and originating processes on the defendants, including by substituted service at the gate of the Rivers State Assembly quarters. The court further directed that the processes be served on the chief judge through staff of the judiciary at his chambers.
Justice Fiberesima adjourned the matter until Jan. 23, 2026, for hearing of the substantive motion.
Despite the court order, the Rivers State House of Assembly resolved on Friday to continue impeachment proceedings. Four lawmakers who had earlier withdrawn from the move also reversed their decision, accusing the governor of being adamant.
