The Rivers State House of Assembly has dismissed a recent High Court order that sought to halt the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy.
On Friday, a state High Court issued an interim injunction restraining Speaker Martin Amaewhule and the Clerk of the House from sending any correspondence to the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, regarding the impeachment process.
The court also barred the Chief Judge from taking any action that could advance the impeachment.
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However, the Assembly rejected the court’s intervention. Speaking to reporters, Assembly spokesman Enemi George stated that the judiciary lacks the constitutional authority to interfere in the impeachment of a state governor.
“The House is not aware of any court order,” George said. “However, if you read Section 188(10) of the Nigerian Constitution, the court has no power to intervene in the impeachment process.”
The development underscores the ongoing tension between the Rivers State legislature and the judiciary as the impeachment saga continues.
Observers note that the Assembly appears determined to proceed with its plans, despite the legal challenge, setting the stage for a potential constitutional confrontation over the limits of judicial oversight in state impeachment matters.