A Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo on Friday halted all steps linked to the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, issuing an interim injunction that effectively freezes the process pending further hearings.
In the ruling, the court restrained the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, the Clerk of the House and other parties involved from forwarding any correspondence, resolutions or documents related to the impeachment to the Chief Judge of Rivers State.
The order also barred the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, from receiving, considering or acting on any request or articles of impeachment aimed at setting up a panel to probe alleged misconduct against the governor and his deputy.
Justice F.A. Fiberesima granted the interim order while ruling on a motion ex parte filed in two separate suits by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu. The judge held that the restraining order would remain in force pending further proceedings before the court.
The court also granted leave to the claimants to serve the interim injunction and originating processes in Suit Nos. OYHC/7CS/2026 and OYHC/6/CS/2026 on the defendants through substituted means. This includes service at the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, while processes meant for the Chief Judge are to be served through any staff member at his chambers within the High Court premises.
Justice Fiberesima adjourned the matter to January 23, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive motion.
The ruling came amid reports that the Rivers State House of Assembly had resolved earlier on Friday to push ahead with impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy. In a related development, four lawmakers who had initially distanced themselves from the impeachment move were said to have reversed their stance, citing dissatisfaction with the governor’s response to calls for d
