Lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly say they uncovered an alleged attempt to use the courts to stop ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints claimed that individuals linked to the executive arm sought an ex parte order from a Rivers State High Court outside Port Harcourt to restrain the Assembly.
The allegation comes days after the House, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, began impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy. The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers accusing the governor of gross misconduct, including extra-budgetary spending of more than ₦800bn, withholding Assembly funds, demolishing the Assembly complex, and defying Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.
A separate notice accused the deputy governor of aiding unconstitutional expenditures. The Speaker said both officials would be served within seven days, in line with the Constitution.
The Assembly described the alleged court move as illegal, citing Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the Constitution, which limit court intervention in impeachment matters. It also referenced Court of Appeal rulings that faulted similar ex parte orders.
Lawmakers urged those involved to desist and advised the governor and his deputy to respond formally to the allegations. They said the impeachment process would continue, marking another escalation in the long-running political crisis linked to the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
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Headline: Wike Defends Political Influence as Rivers Crisis Deepens
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rejected calls for his removal from office and defended his political influence amid fresh impeachment moves against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike spoke on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, which concluded his tour of Rivers State’s 23 councils. He said political power was earned through strength and voter support, not sentiment.
He described Obio/Akpor as a decisive force in state politics, arguing that electoral numbers determined who governed Rivers State. Wike also repeated his criticism of Governor Fubara, whom he had earlier described as a “mistake” he intended to correct politically.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, echoed Wike’s stance and reaffirmed the legislature’s support for him and President Bola Tinubu. Local council chairman Gift Worlu also praised Wike’s political career and influence.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara returned to Port Harcourt after a trip abroad and attended a church service marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. It was his first public appearance since the Assembly began fresh impeachment proceedings last Thursday. The governor and his administration have not commented on the allegations.
Speculation persists over possible intervention by President Tinubu. Sources say both Wike and Fubara may be invited for talks as tension rises. Wike returned to Abuja on Sunday, though aides declined to confirm any meeting focused on the Rivers crisis.
