A Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo has suspended further hearings in the impeachment suit filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, against the State House of Assembly.
The court also set aside an earlier interim order that restrained the Chief Judge of Rivers State from receiving or acting on any impeachment notice against the governor and his deputy.
Court Proceedings
During the session on Friday, counsel to the defendants informed the court of a pending appeal on the same subject and requested a suspension of the trial until the appeal is determined. The claimants’ counsel did not oppose the application.
Presiding Judge Florence Fiberesima subsequently adjourned the case indefinitely, pending the outcome of the appeal. She noted that the appeal’s decision would guide the court in determining the substantive suit.
Background of the Impeachment Move
The Rivers State Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu on January 8, 2026, citing allegations of gross misconduct, including budgetary impropriety, unauthorized spending, and failure to present the 2026 appropriation bill.
On January 16, the Assembly passed a motion requesting the Chief Judge to investigate the allegations. However, the Chief Judge, Simeon Amadi, later declined to constitute a probe panel, citing the interim restraining order from the High Court.
With the latest adjournment and the suspension of the restraining order, the legal path for the impeachment process remains uncertain until the appellate court decides on the pending appeal.
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