By Our Correspondent

In a dramatic twist on the planned impeachment of Governor Fubara, Rivers State High Court in Oyigbo has issued an interim order restraining the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, from receiving or acting on any impeachment notice against the governor and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.

The order, granted by Justice F.A. Fiberesima, also restrains the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 32 others from taking further action on the impeachment proceedings.

The court granted leave to the claimants, Governor Fubara and his deputy, to serve the interim order and other processes on the defendants at the gate of the Rivers State Assembly quarters. The case has been adjourned to January 23, 2026, for motion.

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, had initiated impeachment proceedings against the Governor Fubara and his deputy. The lawmakers voted to impeach the governor Fubara and Professor Odu over alleged misconduct, including budgetary impropriety and defiance of court orders.

The court order restraining the Chief Judge from receiving or acting on any impeachment notice against Governor and his deputy, and stopping the Martin Amaehwule-led House of Assembly from taking further action to Impeach the Governor Fubara and Prof Odu is the latest in a series of legal battles between the governor and the state assembly, with both sides accusing each other of violating the constitution.

The Rivers State House of had on reconvened on Friday and asked the Chief Judge to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconducts and others against the governor.

By Magnus Chukwudi, Port Harcourt

The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has formally directed the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu.

Speaker Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule

The resolution was reached during plenary yesterday, following the adoption of a motion by lawmakers, who cited relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, empowering the legislature to commence impeachment proceedings against a sitting governor or deputy governor, where allegations of misconduct arise.

Lawmakers said the decision was guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law, stressing that the move does not amount to a declaration of guilt but represents a procedural step to allow the allegations to be independently examined.

If constituted, the panel is expected to invite all parties involved, review evidence and submit its findings to the Assembly for further legislative action in line with constitutional requirements.

The development comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State, with political stakeholders and civil society organisations urging restraint and strict adherence to due process as the situation unfolds.

Earlier, the lawmakers addressed a live press conference in Port Harcourt, where they accused Governor Fubara of allegedly engaging in acts of blackmail and intimidation against the legislature.
Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, said the governor had lost the trust required to resolve the political crisis in the oil-rich state.

The lawmakers further accused the governor of infringing on provisions of the Constitution, insisting that the Assembly was left with no option, but to exercise its legislative powers, including impeachment, to safeguard democracy.

Four members of the Assembly who had earlier called for a political solution reportedly recanted their positions and declared support for the impeachment process.

As of the time of filing this report, Governor Fubara and his deputy had yet to issue official statements on the matter.

Reacting to the worrisome development, Mr Darlington Orji, Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alleged that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly received N350 million each for constituency projects, despite claims by some lawmakers that certain payments to them were not appropriated.

Orji made the allegation same yesterday, while appearing on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he addressed questions surrounding the budget process and recent tensions between the executive and the legislature.

He also referred to a N100,000 payment made in December to civil servants as an end-of-year appreciation, noting that the same amount was extended to members of the House of Assembly, though some lawmakers reportedly rejected it on the grounds that it was not appropriated.

Orji questioned the rejection, arguing that the lawmakers had previously accepted N350 million each for constituency projects without raising concerns about appropriation.

He said: “You know that your platform is a very respected one, and I will not come here to tell lies. I will not say what I’m not sure of now. Because the Governor did not agree with them on that, so they didn’t come up with a presentation.

“You know that in preparing budget, there are too many things that will be improved that will make up the appropriation bill. And when they say the interest was not captured, and the man (Fubara) said, don’t worry, by December.

“So the specific amount I do not know as it stands today, because that presentation was not made because His Excellency, the governor, refused to accept that. But don’t forget, in December, there was N100,000 that was given to civil servants as a way of appreciating them and end of the package, it was also given to the members of Rivers. Some people rejected the money.

“They rejected it that it was not appropriated. You cannot build something of nothing now you rejected because N100,000 was not appropriated. Can you ask them, please, sir, the N350 million naira, that was given to each of them for their constituency projects, where did it come from? Why did they not reject it, since it was not appropriated?” ###

By Our Correspondent

In the spirit reconciliation ahead of 2027 elections,an Abuja High Court on Thursday struck out the criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, bringing to an end a high-profile legal battle that had sparked widespread national debate.

The court records showed that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) filed a Notice of Discontinuance, leading the court to formally strike out the criminal defamation and related charges earlier instituted against the lawmaker.

Consequently, the case which attracted intense public and media scrutiny, arose from comments allegedly made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview.

Her prosecution generated sustained public discourse on freedom of expression, political accountability, and the appropriate limits of prosecutorial powers within Nigeria’s democratic framework.

The Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, effectively terminated proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025.

Presiding over the matter on Thursday, Justice C. N. Oji acknowledged the notice and accordingly struck out the charges.

In brief remarks, Justice Oji noted that the withdrawal of the case underscored the need for restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial authority, particularly in matters with broad public and political implications.

“The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing, and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” the judge said.

Counsel to the Federal Government confirmed the withdrawal of the charges in open court, explaining that the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

“On behalf of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, we have filed a notice of discontinuance. This decision is taken in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system,” government counsel told the court.

Reacting after the court session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a vindication of her stance and an affirmation of the rule of law.

“Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” she said, while expressing gratitude to her legal team and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the proceedings.

The striking out of the charges follows months of legal controversy and sustained public debate.

During the presentation of the case, several civil society organisations and rights groups had condemned the prosecution, describing it as an attempt to stifle free speech and discourage robust political engagement.