By DAYO ADESULU
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has moved swiftly to stall the growing Rivers impeachment crisis, issuing interim orders that block the Chief Judge of the state from participating in any impeachment process initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, January 16, 2026, has effectively frozen all official steps connected to the proposed impeachment, at least temporarily, deepening the political and legal standoff currently rocking the oil-rich state.
Court Intervenes in Rivers Impeachment Crisis
The orders were handed down by the High Court of Oyibo Local Government Area, sitting in Port Harcourt, following two separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and his deputy. The suits are marked OYHC/7/CS/2026 and OYHC/6/CS/2026, respectively.
In granting the applications, the court restrained the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Martin Amaewhule, alongside 32 other defendants, from taking any action connected to the impeachment process.
Crucially, the court barred the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, from receiving, processing, considering, or acting on any correspondence, resolution, or articles of impeachment forwarded by the Assembly.
Chief Judge Barred from Constituting Impeachment Panel
Under the interim injunction, Justice Amadi is prohibited from constituting or facilitating the formation of any investigative panel to probe allegations of misconduct against the governor and his deputy.
The restriction applies to all forms of communication from the lawmakers involved in the impeachment move and will remain in force for an initial period of seven days, pending further proceedings.
Legal observers say the order strikes at the procedural heart of the impeachment process, as the Chief Judge’s role is constitutionally required before any panel of investigation can be set up.
Judge Grants Ex Parte Motions
The presiding judge, Justice F. A. Fiberesima, issued the orders while ruling on motions ex parte filed by the governor and his deputy. In his decision, the judge held that maintaining the status quo was necessary to prevent irreparable damage while the substantive issues are being considered by the court.
As part of the ruling, Justice Fiberesima granted permission for substituted service of court processes on the defendants.
Court Orders Substituted Service on Defendants
According to the court’s directive, the interim orders and originating processes are to be served on the 1st to the 31st defendants by pasting copies at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters.
The 32nd defendant, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, is to be served through any staff member of the judiciary at the Chief Judge’s Chambers within the High Court premises.
This approach, the court noted, was necessary to ensure timely service and avoid delays that could frustrate the administration of justice.
Political Tension Deepens in Rivers State
The ruling adds a fresh legal dimension to the already tense political atmosphere in Rivers State, where relations between the executive arm and the House of Assembly have deteriorated sharply in recent months.
Supporters of Governor Fubara view the court’s intervention as a safeguard against what they describe as a rushed and politically motivated impeachment attempt. On the other hand, allies of the Assembly leadership argue that the legislature is exercising its constitutional oversight powers.
Either way, the Rivers impeachment crisis has now shifted firmly into the courtroom, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle with far-reaching political consequences.
Next Court Date Fixed
Justice Fiberesima adjourned the matter to January 23, 2026, when the court will hear the motion on notice. At that stage, all parties are expected to present their arguments, which will determine whether the interim orders are extended, varied, or set aside.
Until then, the impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his deputy remains legally suspended, offering a brief pause in a crisis that continues to command national attention.
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