A Rivers State High Court has adjourned indefinitely the legal suit filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma-Odu, which challenges the impeachment process initiated against them by the Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court, presided over by Justice Florence Fiberesima of the Oyigbo Judicial Division, made this decision after confirming that two separate appeals arising from the suit had been filed at the appellate court.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
During the resumed hearing, lead counsel to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Chike-Amaewhule, and 27 other lawmakers, Mr. S.I. Amen (SAN), informed the court that an appeal had been duly entered against earlier rulings in the case. He consequently made an oral application urging the court to stay proceedings pending the determination of the appeal. The application was not opposed by the claimants' lead counsel, Mr. Paul Oritikoro (SAN).
Also aligning with the application was Mr. Lawrence Oko-Jaja (SAN), counsel to defendants listed as numbers 28 to 30, namely Oko Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, and Orubienimigha Timothy. In her ruling, Justice Fiberesima noted that proof of two separate appeals had been presented before the court.
Judge's Ruling on Adjournment
The judge ruled that continuing with the substantive suit in the face of pending appeals could result in conflicting decisions. She added that the interest of justice would be better served by allowing the appellate court to first make a pronouncement on the matter. Therefore, she adjourned the matter indefinitely, emphasizing the need to halt further proceedings to allow the Court of Appeal to determine the issues placed before it.
Background of the Impeachment Moves
The lawmakers had, last week, initiated impeachment moves against Fubara and Nma-Odu over alleged constitutional misconduct, particularly on matters relating to financial appropriation. In response, Governor Fubara and his deputy filed separate ex parte applications requesting interim injunctions to restrain the Speaker, 25 other lawmakers, and the Clerk of the House from taking further steps in the impeachment process.
The claimants also urged the court to bar the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, from receiving or constituting a seven-member impeachment panel pending the determination of the substantive suits. The court had earlier granted the interim prayers and fixed Friday, January 23, 2026, for hearing, but this has now been postponed indefinitely due to the appeals.
