A high court in Nigeria’s southern Rivers State has issued an emergency order to halt the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as a bitter political power struggle in the oil-rich region intensifies.
The ruling, delivered on Friday in Port Harcourt, prevents the State Assembly from taking any further steps to remove the Governor or his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, for at least seven days.
The court also specifically barred the state’s Chief Judge from forming a panel to investigate the allegations against the Governor—a key constitutional requirement for any impeachment to proceed.
A ‘freeze’ on proceedings
Justice F.A. Fiberesima granted the interim injunction following two separate lawsuits filed by the Governor and Deputy Governor. The order effectively “freezes” the political crisis until a full hearing can take place on 23 January.
The court’s directions included:
- Blocking the Speaker: Martin Amaewhule and his fellow lawmakers are restrained from sending any formal impeachment requests to the judiciary.
- Restraining the Chief Judge: Justice Simeon Amadi cannot receive, forward, or act on any articles of impeachment during this period.
- Service of notice: Because of the volatility at the legislative complex, the judge allowed the court papers to be served by pasting them at the gate of the official Assembly quarters.
Lawmakers double down
Despite the court order, the political atmosphere in Port Harcourt remains explosive. Shortly after the ruling, the 27 lawmakers loyal to the former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, vowed to push ahead with the removal.
In a dramatic twist, four lawmakers who had previously withdrawn their support for the impeachment made a “U-turn” on Friday. They rejoined the move against the Governor, accusing him of being “adamant” and refusing to resolve the underlying political disputes.
Why does this matter?
Rivers State is a critical economic hub for Nigeria, hosting the country’s vast oil and gas infrastructure.
The feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Mr. Wike, has paralyzed the state’s legislature for months and led to several street protests. International investors and the presidency in Abuja are watching the situation closely, fearing that prolonged instability in the Niger Delta could impact national oil production and regional security.
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