By National Record, with Agency Report
A RIVERS State High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, from accepting or acting upon any request to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
The order, granted by Justice F. A. Fiberesima, specifically forbids the Chief Judge from receiving, forwarding, or considering any notice from the State Assembly concerning the impeachment of the governor and deputy governor.
The court further granted Fubara and Odu leave to serve the interim order and related legal documents on the Assembly by posting them at the entrance to the Rivers State Assembly quarters.
This judicial intervention follows a resolution by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday, where all 26 members unanimously voted to proceed with impeachment, citing allegations of gross misconduct and constitutional breaches.
The Assembly had resolved to formally write to the Chief Judge, invoking constitutional provisions to constitute a seven-member investigative panel – a critical step in formalising the impeachment process.
The political crisis in Rivers State continues to intensify, with parallel pressures emerging within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A coalition of APC groups recently staged a protest in Abuja, demanding the dismissal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom they accuse of orchestrating the impeachment move against Governor Fubara.
In an open letter to the Presidency, the groups alleged insubordination, anti-party activities, and a conflict of interest on the part of the Minister.
The court has adjourned further hearing on the matter to January 23. All parties now await the next legal and political steps in this escalating confrontation.
