Rivers State High Court stopped the Chief Judge of the state from receiving or taking any action on an impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The order was issued after members of the Rivers State House of Assembly moved to begin impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy. The lawmakers had earlier written to the Chief Judge, asking for the setting up of a panel to look into allegations of gross misconduct against the two officials.
The court’s decision followed the assembly’s unanimous vote to push forward with the impeachment process. The legislators had insisted that they would not back down and were ready to continue with all steps required by law.
However, the court intervention has now stopped the process from moving forward. By restraining the Chief Judge, the court effectively placed the impeachment move on hold while legal issues surrounding the matter are addressed.
The ruling means that no investigative panel can be formed, and no further action can be taken on the impeachment notice until the court gives further direction. The development adds another legal layer to the growing political tension in Rivers State, as both sides await the next stage of the court proceedings.