THE Rivers State House of Assembly has dismissed suggestions that any court order could halt the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, warning that attempts to secure ex parte injunctions from courts outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division amount to a direct assault on Nigeria’s constitutional order.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria dated January 11, 2026, the Assembly accused unnamed individuals of plotting to manipulate judicial processes by approaching select Rivers State High Courts to illegally restrain lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties.
The statement, signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, said the Assembly had received “credible intelligence” indicating that desperate efforts were underway to obtain clandestine court orders aimed at frustrating the impeachment proceedings.
According to the lawmakers, such actions constitute a blatant subversion of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly in matters relating to the removal of elected officials.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly wishes to place the public on notice that no court order—especially one obtained through ex parte proceedings—can stop or restrain the House from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities,” the statement read.
The Assembly specifically cited Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the Constitution, which clearly limit the jurisdiction of courts in impeachment matters and expressly bar judicial interference in proceedings relating to the tenure of governors and deputy governors.
Lawmakers further referenced recent rulings of the Court of Appeal, which nullified similar ex parte orders issued in past impeachment disputes, reaffirming the supremacy of constitutional provisions over procedural abuses.
“The Constitution is unambiguous. Courts are expressly prohibited from entertaining or granting reliefs connected to impeachment proceedings,” the Assembly stated, adding that any contrary order would be null, void, and of no legal effect.
Addressing reports suggesting procedural irregularities, the House clarified that all affected office holders have already been duly served with formal notices of allegations of gross misconduct, in line with constitutional requirements.
It stressed that the appropriate response is for the affected officials to defend themselves through established constitutional channels rather than resort to what it described as “subterranean moves” to derail due process.
The Assembly, acting with the approval of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, called on all parties to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law, warning that intimidation, misinformation, or judicial shopping would not deter lawmakers from discharging their constitutional mandate.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance, the House vowed to remain focused and undistracted, insisting that no amount of pressure, blackmail, or legal maneuvering would compel it to abandon its constitutional obligations.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly remains committed to upholding the Constitution, protecting democracy, and ensuring accountability in governance,” the statement concluded.