A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has barred the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, from receiving or acting on any correspondence from the Rivers State House of Assembly relating to moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu. The presiding judge, Justice F. A. Fiberesima, gave the ruling while granting motions ex parte in the two suits filed by the governor and his deputy.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had directed the Chief Judge to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy.
The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, stated that the decision was reached after the House considered allegations of gross misconduct, including the alleged spending of state resources without legislative approval and abuse of office.
The impeachment notice cites gross misconduct, including extra-budgetary spending exceeding ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding statutory funds for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.
The lawmakers have accused Governor Fubara of attempting to influence their constituents to recall them from office, saying this is an affront to democracy. They’ve also alleged that Fubara is planning to use the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate them.
The situation is getting heated, with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemning the Assembly’s resolution to investigate the Chief Judge, warning against intimidation and emphasizing the need to protect judicial independence.
The matter has been adjourned to January 23, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
