The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused individuals linked to the executive arm of government of plotting to secure a court order aimed at halting impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The allegation came as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, concluded his tour of the 23 local government areas of Rivers State. Lawmakers said the alleged plan involved obtaining an ex parte order from a Rivers State High Court sitting outside Port Harcourt to restrain the Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr Enemi George, said the Assembly was aware of moves to use judicial processes to frustrate the impeachment exercise, which formally commenced last Thursday under the leadership of Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
According to George, such actions would amount to a clear violation of the 1999 Constitution. “The Rivers State House of Assembly has received information of plots by certain persons to utilise some Rivers State High Courts, especially those outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division, to issue ex parte orders to illegally stop the House from performing its constitutional duties,” he said.
He cited Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the Constitution, noting that impeachment proceedings are matters constitutionally insulated from judicial interference. “No proceedings or determination of the House of Assembly relating to impeachment shall be entertained or questioned in any court,” George added.
The impeachment process was triggered by a notice signed by 26 lawmakers and presented by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, alleging gross misconduct against the governor, including extra-budgetary spending of over N800bn, withholding statutory funds from the Assembly, demolition of the legislative complex, and disobedience of Supreme Court rulings. Similar allegations were also read against the deputy governor.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara returned to Port Harcourt on Sunday and attended an Armed Forces Remembrance Day church service alongside his deputy, marking their first public appearance since the impeachment move. Neither the governor nor his administration has formally responded to the allegations, as political tension continues to rise amid renewed calls for presidential intervention.
