The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over alleged clandestine moves by certain individuals to secure ex-parte orders from High Courts outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division aimed at illegally halting its constitutional duties, including the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu.
In a statement issued Sunday, January 11, 2026 by Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, the lawmakers described the scheme as a desperate attempt to subvert the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and undermine the rule of law.
The Assembly said it had received credible intelligence that unnamed persons — widely believed to be linked to the executive arm in the midst of the state’s protracted political turmoil — were plotting to obtain restraining orders from selected state High Courts beyond Port Harcourt to block legislative proceedings.
Citing constitutional safeguards, the statement invoked Section 272(3), which exclusively vests jurisdiction over matters concerning the cessation or vacancy of the office of a governor, deputy governor or House member in the Federal High Court.
It also referenced Section 188(10), which bars any court from entertaining or questioning proceedings or determinations of the House relating to impeachment.
The lawmakers further pointed to recent Court of Appeal rulings that nullified similar ex-parte orders issued by a Rivers State High Court in violation of these provisions, warning that “a word is enough for the wise.”
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The alert follows the House’s commencement of fresh impeachment proceedings on Thursday, January 8, 2026, after serving notices of gross misconduct on the governor and deputy.
The allegations include extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and disregard for Supreme Court judgments on legislative financial autonomy.
Dr. George called for restraint, urging the affected office holders to respond substantively to the charges item by item instead of resorting to “subterranean moves” or using proxies to malign the Assembly in the media.
The Assembly reiterated its commitment to the Constitution and rule of law, praying to God to bless Rivers State and Nigeria.
