Impeachment Crisis: Rivers Assembly Confirms Chief Judge Has Received Notice Against Fubara, Vows to Proceed Despite Court Order
PORT HARCOURT — The political crisis in Rivers State has reached a fever pitch as the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly officially confirmed that the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, has received the notice of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
However, this confirmation comes amid a fresh legal hurdle, as a Rivers State High Court has issued an interim order attempting to stop the Chief Judge from acting on the request.
Quick Read
- The Confirmation: The Assembly confirmed today that the Chief Judge has “duly acknowledged” receipt of the impeachment notice and the request to set up a 7-man investigative panel.
- The Court Order: In a dramatic twist, Justice F.A. Fiberesima of the Oyigbo High Court granted an ex parte order restraining the Chief Judge from constituting the panel.
- The U-Turn: Four lawmakers who initially pulled out of the impeachment plot have rejoined the pro-Wike faction, declaring that the Governor “refused to seek a political solution”.
- The Allegations: The Governor and Deputy are accused of gross misconduct, including withholding funds for the Assembly Service Commission and extra-budgetary spending.
Detailed Story: “We Have Followed Due Process”
The Rivers State House of Assembly sat early today, marking the 60th legislative day of the Third Session of the Tenth Assembly. During the plenary, the House voted to formally request the Chief Judge to set up a panel to investigate the allegations against the Governor.
Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, confirmed to journalists that the process is moving strictly according to the Constitution.
“The Speaker of the House has complied with Section 188(5) of the Constitution… The letters addressed to the Chief Judge have been delivered, received, and duly acknowledged,” George stated.
The Assembly insists that having served the Governor the notice earlier this week (which he allegedly refused to acknowledge), the next constitutional step is the investigation by an independent panel appointed by the Chief Judge.
Court Slams Brakes on Process
While the lawmakers were meeting, a parallel legal battle unfolded in Oyigbo.
Ruling on a suit filed by Governor Fubara (Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026), Justice F.A. Fiberesima issued an interim injunction restraining the Chief Judge from “receiving, forwarding, or acting on” any request from the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly.
The court order specifically bars the Chief Judge from setting up the investigative panel for the next seven days, pending the hearing of the motion on notice adjourned to January 23, 2026.
Lawmakers Make U-Turn
Adding fuel to the fire, four lawmakers—Sylvanus Nwankwo, Peter Abbey, Barile Nwakoh, and Emilia Amadi—who had publicly withdrawn from the impeachment plot just days ago, announced a reversal of their stance today.
Speaking to the press, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo claimed they had tried to broker peace but were rebuffed by the executive.
“We found out that the Governor and Deputy Governor employed their media aides to attack the Assembly instead of seeking the political solution we offered. On this basis, we say the impeachment proceedings should continue,” Nwankwo declared.
What Happens Next?
The state is now locked in a constitutional standoff.
- The Assembly argues that section 188(10) of the Constitution prevents courts from stopping impeachment proceedings.
- The Governor’s Camp relies on the valid court order from Justice Fiberesima to halt the Chief Judge’s hand.
- All eyes are now on Justice Simeon Amadi to see if he will obey the High Court order or accede to the Assembly’s request to constitute the panel.