A Rivers State High Court has refused to grant a perpetual injunction aimed at preventing the state’s Chief Judge, Chibuzor Simeon Amadi, from acting on impeachment requests by lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Ordu. This development brings temporary relief to the Rivers Assembly, which has been pushing for the impeachment process.
According to a statement by Lere Olayinka, media aide to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, the presiding judge declined the requested order, citing that the matter is already before the Court of Appeal. The judge subsequently adjourned the case indefinitely, pending the determination of the appeal. This means that the High Court will take no further action on the matter until the appellate court delivers its judgment on the issues surrounding the impeachment process.
The Rivers Assembly, led by Amaewhule, had served Governor Fubara an impeachment notice, which was received by Chief Judge Amadi. However, Amadi had declined to constitute a seven-member panel to act on the Assembly’s impeachment request, citing existing court orders. The impeachment process has been a subject of controversy, with the Assembly pushing for the removal of the governor and his deputy.
The court’s decision not to grant the injunction is a significant development in the ongoing political saga in Rivers State. The case has been marked by legal battles and political maneuvering, with the Assembly seeking to impeach the governor and his deputy. The appeal court’s judgment will be crucial in determining the next steps in the impeachment process.
The Rivers State political landscape has been tense in recent months, with the impeachment process being a major point of contention. The court’s decision to adjourn the case indefinitely has introduced a degree of uncertainty, leaving the fate of the impeachment process hanging in the balance. As the appeal court deliberates on the matter, the people of Rivers State await the outcome, which will have significant implications for the state’s political leadership.
