The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised alarm over alleged attempts by unnamed individuals to use High Courts outside Port Harcourt to derail ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu. The warning was issued in a statement dated January 11, 2026, amid rising political tension in the state.
The Assembly said it had received credible information suggesting that certain parties were seeking ex parte court orders to restrain the House from exercising its constitutional responsibilities. Lawmakers described such actions as a potential subversion of the Nigerian Constitution.
The statement, signed by Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, cited Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states as follows,
Section 272(3): “Subject to the provisions of section 251 and other provisions of this Constitution, the Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the question as to whether the term of office of a member of the House of Assembly of a State, a Governor or Deputy Governor has ceased or become vacant.”
Section 188(10) – “No proceedings or determination of the Panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.”
The above limits court jurisdiction in matters relating to the tenure of elected officials and bar interference in impeachment proceedings.
“All that is required is for the office holders who have already been duly served with the Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct to respond to them item by item rather than deploy subterranean moves to subvert the law or use proxies to malign members and the Rivers State House of Assembly in the media,” George said. The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to constitutionalism and democratic governance.
Governor Fubara and his deputy made their first public appearance since receiving the impeachment notice on Sunday, January 11, 2026. They attended an interdenominational service at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
During the service, Fubara asked his deputy to deliver his address while he urged calm among the people of the state. “I want everyone to be relaxed. What is important is peace for this dear state. We will get it by the special name of God,” he said.
The event also honoured fallen Nigerian servicemen and women and included prayers for personnel still in active service, with senior government officials in attendance.
The impeachment process was initiated on Thursday, January 8, 2026, following allegations of gross misconduct. Supported by 26 lawmakers, this represents the third attempt to remove Fubara in less than three years.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, stated that the governor’s alleged actions posed a threat to democracy, citing the failure to present the state budget in line with constitutional provisions as a primary concern.
The political crisis in Rivers State traces back to a longstanding rivalry between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Previous impeachment attempts in 2023 and 2025 led to President Bola Tinubu declaring a six-month state of emergency, suspending both the executive and legislative arms of government. Fubara was reinstated in September 2025, but unresolved tensions have reignited political disputes in the state.
Enemi George urged caution, warning: “A word is enough for the wise. Those concerned should exercise restraint and refrain from acts inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law.”
The Assembly emphasized that all affected office holders have been duly served and must respond to allegations through constitutional procedures rather than pursue external legal maneuvers to impede proceedings.
No verified statements were available from Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu or Speaker Martin Amaewhule at the time of publication.
The outcome of the impeachment process will depend on adherence to constitutional procedures and the continued monitoring of legislative and judicial actions. The Rivers State House of Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to due process, stressing that the resolution of political tensions hinges on the rule of law and respect for democratic norms.