Major Setback for Pro-Wike Lawmakers as Court Adjourns Fubara Impeachment Suit Indefinitely

The Oyigbo Division of the Rivers State High Court has adjourned indefinitely the suit filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma-Odu, challenging impeachment proceedings initiated against them by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The ruling was delivered by Justice Florence Fiberesima, who cited the existence of two properly entered appeals before the Court of Appeal as the basis for adjourning the matter sine die.

Justice Fiberesima held that proceeding further at the High Court level would amount to duplicating issues already before an appellate court, stressing that the lower court must await the outcome of the appeals.

The suit was instituted by Governor Fubara and his deputy against the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, 26 other lawmakers, and the Clerk of the House, following moves to commence impeachment proceedings over allegations of gross misconduct.

Ejes Gist News reports that the court was furnished with documentary evidence confirming that the appeals had been duly entered, thereby removing jurisdiction from the High Court to continue hearing the substantive matter.

Background to the Legal Dispute

The impeachment controversy arose amid an ongoing political crisis within the Rivers State House of Assembly, which has been sharply divided between factions loyal to Governor Fubara and those aligned with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Lawmakers opposed to the governor had initiated impeachment steps, prompting the governor and his deputy to approach the court for judicial intervention.

 

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In an earlier ruling, the Oyigbo High Court granted an interim order restraining the Speaker, members of the House, and other defendants from advancing the impeachment process.

The court specifically barred the Speaker and the lawmakers from transmitting articles of impeachment or any related communication to the Chief Judge of Rivers State for the purpose of setting up an investigative panel.

Interim Injunction Against Impeachment Steps

The interim order also restrained the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, from receiving, acting upon, or considering any request, resolution, or document aimed at constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct against the governor and his deputy.

The injunction was issued for a period of seven days, pending further hearing of the substantive suit.

That interim relief effectively halted the impeachment process and reinforced the judiciary’s role as the arbiter in the escalating political confrontation.

Effect of the Indefinite Adjournment

With the High Court now adjourning the case indefinitely, the focus of the legal battle shifts to the Court of Appeal, where the entered appeals are expected to determine the next phase of the dispute.

Legal analysts note that an adjournment sine die does not amount to a dismissal of the case but signifies that the lower court will take no further action until the appellate court resolves the issues before it.

The development leaves the impeachment proceedings in a state of legal suspension, subject to the outcome of appellate review.

Political Implications

The court’s decision further entrenches the judiciary as a central arena in the Rivers political crisis, which has disrupted legislative activities and governance in the state.

Observers say the appeals process will be critical in clarifying the legality of the impeachment steps taken by the lawmakers and the extent of the court’s powers to restrain legislative actions.

For now, Governor Fubara and his deputy remain in office, while the Rivers State House of Assembly awaits judicial clarity on the contentious impeachment process.