The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, to respect a court injunction restraining him from acting on any resolution or communication from the Rivers State House of Assembly relating to impeachment proceedings.
The call was made on Saturday by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, in a statement distributed to newsmen. It comes after Speaker Martin Amaewhule, during Friday’s plenary, directed Justice Amadi to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate alleged misconduct by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. The House had passed a resolution to pursue impeachment, citing the governor’s alleged disregard for the legislature during appeals and interventions.
However, a Rivers State High Court in Oyibo Local Government Area, presided over by Justice F. A. Fiberesima, on Friday issued an interim injunction restraining the Speaker, the Clerk of the House, and the Chief Judge from acting on any impeachment-related correspondence for seven days. The court adjourned the matter for hearing to January 23, 2026.
In response, Nwauju, backed by former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, expressed concern that members of the House, including APC lawmakers, had proceeded with what he described as a “legislative coup d’état” against the party’s collective interest in the state. He warned that such actions could jeopardise the party’s cohesion and credibility.
The statement said that while Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the legislature to conduct impeachment, the determination of “gross misconduct” is ultimately subjective and open to interpretation. Nwauju argued that the allegations, no matter how carefully presented, remain largely matters of public opinion.
The statement read: “We have painstakingly analysed the issues leading up to the latest step taken by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to proceed with the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
“Regrettably, we note that honourable members who trumpeted loyalty to our party and Mr President have now given themselves to a choreographed legislative coup d’état against the collective interest, growth and development of our party in the state.
“We warn again that this is a needless legislative overreach, having observed the recalcitrance on the part of members of the House of Assembly, including APC members.
“It is common knowledge that the legislature is empowered under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to conduct impeachment. However, paragraph 11 of the same section is subject to political interpretation, as what constitutes ‘gross misconduct’ is determined by the legislature itself.
“Thus, no matter how beautifully crafted the allegations against the governor and his deputy may be, they remain largely subjective in the court of public opinion.”
He further called on the APC’s national leadership to activate internal mechanisms under Article 21(b)(iii) of the party’s constitution to avert further embarrassment, stressing the importance of party unity.
“Meanwhile, we call on the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State to respect the interim injunction in Suit No: OYHC/7/CS/2026,” the statement read.
The matter continues to escalate, with tensions rising between the state legislature and the ruling party as the court prepares to hear the motion next week
