The Rivers State House of Assembly has openly rejected a court directive seeking to halt impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, signalling a deepening institutional standoff within the state’s political space.
Lawmakers aligned with the Assembly leadership insist the impeachment process remains valid and uninterrupted, arguing that judicial authorities have no constitutional foothold in legislative impeachment proceedings.
This reaction followed an interim injunction issued by the Rivers State High Court on Friday, which barred the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, and the Clerk of the House from communicating with the state’s Chief Judge regarding the impeachment process.
Furthermore, the court directed the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to refrain from taking any action connected to the impeachment steps initiated by the lawmakers.
However, responding to enquiries, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Enemi George, dismissed the ruling as legally ineffective, maintaining that the legislature had not been formally served with any such order.
According to George, constitutional provisions clearly shield impeachment proceedings from judicial interference.
“What is happening is strictly within the powers of the legislature,” he said. “The constitution is explicit, and the courts cannot insert themselves into this process.”
He further cited Section 188(10) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that it expressly excludes court intervention in the impeachment of a sitting governor.
“Until the law is changed, the House will continue to act within its mandate,” George added.
Meanwhile, the unfolding dispute has heightened political tensions in Rivers State, with legal experts warning that the confrontation between the judiciary and legislature could test constitutional boundaries in the days ahead.
As events continue to develop, observers say the outcome may redefine how impeachment processes are handled across Nigeria’s states.