The Oyigbo High Court in Rivers State has placed an indefinite hold on the suit filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma-Odu, challenging moves to impeach them. The case was brought against the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, 26 other lawmakers, and the Clerk of the House over steps taken toward impeachment.
When the matter came up in court, the lawyer representing the Speaker and the lawmakers, S. I. Ameh, SAN, told the court that an appeal had already been entered. He asked the court to suspend proceedings until the appeal is resolved. Lawyers to the governor, his deputy, and other defendants did not object to the request.
In her ruling, Justice Florence Fiberesima ordered that the case be adjourned without a new date. She explained that two appeals are now before the appellate court and that it is proper for those issues to be settled before the High Court continues with the matter.
The judge also recalled that the court had earlier issued an interim order stopping the Speaker, the lawmakers, the Clerk of the House, and the Chief Judge of Rivers State from taking further action on the impeachment process. That order barred the submission of any impeachment notice or related documents needed to set up a panel to investigate allegations of misconduct.
With the latest decision, all actions connected to the impeachment suit will remain on hold until the appeal court gives its verdict.