A federal high court has restrained the Chief Judge of Rivers State from receiving any impeachment notice from the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Clerk of the House, and 29 other lawmakers.
The ruling effectively halts ongoing attempts by the Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against the state’s governor.
The order was issued by Florence Fiberesima, presiding judge following two separate suits filed by Fubara and his deputy, marked OYHC/7/CS/2026 and OYHC/6/CS/2026.
Fiberesima barred the chief judge from receiving, forwarding, considering, or acting on any request, resolution, or articles of impeachment from members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“That an Interim Injunction is hereby made restraining the 32h Defendant i.e. The Hon Chief Judge of Rivers State from receiving, forwarding. considering and/or howsoever acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment Or other documents or communication from the 1-27th and 31st Defendants for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the purported allegations of misconduet against the Clarmant/Applicant for seven days,” the other reads.
The judge also said the order and court processes can be served on the defendants by pasting them at the gate of the Rivers state house of assembly and serving staff at the chief judge’s chambers.
The cases were adjourned to January 23, 2026, for hearing of the motion.
The court order was granted following a suit filed by concerned parties seeking to prevent the Assembly from moving forward with the impeachment process, citing alleged procedural irregularities and breaches of constitutional requirements.
According to the court, the injunction will remain in effect until the full determination of the suit, providing temporary relief to the Chief Judge and the Governor from any formal presentation of impeachment documents.
Details from the ruling indicate that the judge emphasized the need for strict adherence to due process in impeachment matters, noting that any attempt to circumvent established legal procedures could undermine constitutional governance in the state.
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The development comes amid a tense political standoff in Rivers State, where the House of Assembly has repeatedly signaled its intent to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Lawyers representing the plaintiffs hailed the ruling as a victory for constitutional order and the rule of law, stressing that it reinforces the judiciary’s role in checking legislative overreach.
The Speaker of the House, the Clerk, and the 29 lawmakers involved are yet to comment on the court’s order.
Political analysts note that the decision could further intensify the ongoing tussle between the state executive and legislature, with implications for governance stability in Rivers State.
The court is expected to hear the substantive arguments in the coming weeks, which will determine whether the injunction will be maintained or lifted, and whether the impeachment process can legally proceed.