“We Have Uncovered a Plot to Use Ex Parte Court Orders to Stop Fubara’s Impeachment” — Rivers Assembly

The Rivers State House of Assembly says it has uncovered an alleged plan to obtain a court order aimed at halting ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The allegation was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr Enemi George.

According to the Assembly, the alleged plan involves procuring an ex parte order from a Rivers State High Court sitting outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division to restrain the legislature from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

Lawmakers had on Thursday formally initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct.

The Assembly described the reported move to stop the process as unconstitutional and legally untenable, warning that it would amount to an attempt to undermine the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

George said the alleged action violates Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the Constitution, as well as existing appellate court decisions on similar matters.

He stated that Section 272(3) vests jurisdiction on the Federal High Court to determine questions relating to the tenure of a governor or deputy governor, while Section 188(10) expressly bars courts from entertaining or questioning impeachment proceedings conducted by a House of Assembly.

The Assembly also referenced recent Court of Appeal judgments that set aside ex parte orders previously issued by Rivers State High Courts in similar circumstances.

George urged those affected by the impeachment process to respond to the allegations already served on them rather than seek judicial intervention to stall legislative proceedings.

“The Rivers State House of Assembly has received information of plots by certain persons to use some Rivers State High Courts, particularly those outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division, to issue ex parte orders to illegally stop the Assembly from performing its constitutional duties,” he said.

He called on individuals allegedly involved in the move to exercise restraint and refrain from actions capable of undermining constitutional order and the rule of law.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to due process and urged public office holders facing allegations to address them directly, rather than attempt to subvert the process or engage in media attacks against lawmakers.

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara, who was recently out of the country, returned to Port Harcourt and on Sunday attended the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day service at St Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt, alongside his deputy.