PORT HARCOURT – The political crisis in Rivers State took a sharp legal turn on Friday as the State House of Assembly formally moved to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, for alleged gross misconduct. This move comes despite a fresh interim injunction from a Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo, which sought to halt the proceedings.
The Legislative Move
During its 60th Legislative Sitting on Friday, January 16, 2026, the House, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, invoked Section 188(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The section empowers the legislature to resolve via motion whether allegations against the executive should be investigated.
When the Speaker put the question to the floor, 25 members voted in the affirmative. Following this resolution, the Speaker issued a formal request to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, to appoint a seven-member panel of “unquestionable integrity” to investigate the allegations.
Defiance of Judiciary?
The Assembly’s action occurred almost simultaneously with a ruling by Justice F.A. Fiberesima of the Rivers State High Court. The court had granted an interim injunction restraining the Speaker and the Clerk from sending any correspondence to the Chief Judge. Furthermore, it barred the Chief Judge from acting on any such request until the substantive motion is heard on January 23, 2026.
However, the Assembly appears to be banking on Section 188(10) of the Constitution—often referred to as the “ouster clause”—which states that no court shall entertain or question the proceedings or determination of the House or the investigative panel regarding impeachment.
Lawmakers Speak Out
Earlier in the day, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol, led members in a press briefing where they described the Governor’s approach to governance as “despotic” and a “threat to democracy.”
”We have been called upon by well-meaning Nigerians to suspend this process,” the members stated. “However, the recalcitrant disposition of the Governor and his deputy… has made impeachment the most viable option.”
The lawmakers also revealed new grievances, alleging that Governor Fubara had attempted to influence their constituents to initiate recall processes against them while they were seeking a political solution.
Key Allegations Against the Executive
While the specific “articles of impeachment” are being finalized, the lawmakers cited several triggers for the move:
1.Constitutional Breaches: Alleged serial violations of the 1999 Constitution.
2.Financial Misconduct: Spending public funds without legislative approval and refusing to present a supplementary budget.
3.Despotism: What the House termed a “recalcitrant and arrogant” disposition toward the legislative arm.
What Happens Next?
According to the constitutional timeline:
1.Panel Appointment: Within 7 days of the Speaker’s request, the Chief Judge is expected to constitute the 7-man panel (subject to the current legal battle over the court injunction).
2.Investigation: The panel has up to three months to report its findings.
3.Final Vote: If the panel finds the allegations proven, the House must pass a final resolution by a two-thirds majority to remove the Governor.
As of Friday evening, the state remains in a legal limbo, with the executive branch relying on the court’s protection and the legislature asserting its constitutional independence.
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