A Rivers State High Court has adjourned indefinitely the high-profile suit filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma-Odu, challenging the impeachment process initiated against them by the state's legislative arm. The decision, delivered by Justice Florence Fiberesima of the Oyigbo Judicial Division, came on Tuesday after confirmation that two separate appeals from the case have been formally lodged at the Court of Appeal.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals Take Center Stage
During the resumed hearing, lead counsel for the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Chike-Amaewhule, and 27 other lawmakers, Mr S.I. Amen, SAN, informed the court that an appeal had been duly filed against earlier rulings. He subsequently made an oral application urging the court to stay proceedings pending the determination of the appeal. This application was not opposed by the claimants' lead counsel, Mr Paul Oritikoro, SAN, and was also supported by Mr Lawrence Oko-Jaja, SAN, representing defendants Oko Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, and Orubienimigha Timothy.
Judge's Ruling Emphasizes Judicial Prudence
In her ruling, Justice Fiberesima noted that proof of two separate appeals had been presented before the court. She explained that continuing with the substantive suit while appeals are pending could lead to conflicting decisions, stressing that the interest of justice would be better served by allowing the appellate court to first pronounce on the matter. Consequently, the case was adjourned sine die, effectively halting further proceedings at the trial court level.
Background of the Impeachment Legal Tussle
The suit before Justice Fiberesima was instituted by Governor Fubara and his deputy to challenge impeachment moves initiated by the Speaker, 26 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the Clerk of the House. The claimants accused these parties of acting in breach of constitutional provisions, sparking a complex legal battle.
This development follows an earlier interim order issued by a Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo Local Government Area, which also convened in Port Harcourt. In that ruling, the court granted an interim injunction restraining the Speaker, Martin Chike-Amaewhule, and 32 others—including the Clerk of the House and the Chief Judge of Rivers State—from taking further steps in the impeachment process.
Specific Restraints Imposed by Previous Court Order
The interim order specifically barred the Speaker and 27 other lawmakers from:
- Forwarding any notice of allegations or articles of impeachment to the Chief Judge.
- Submitting related documents for the purpose of setting up an investigative panel into alleged gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy.
Additionally, the court restrained the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, from receiving, considering, or acting on any such communication for a period of seven days.
Deepening Political Crisis in Rivers State
The legal tussle represents the latest twist in the protracted political crisis rocking Rivers State. The impeachment moves and counter-litigation have significantly deepened tensions between the executive and legislative branches, highlighting ongoing governance challenges in the region. As the appeals process takes center stage, stakeholders await further judicial pronouncements that could shape the political landscape in Rivers State.
