The Rivers State House of Assembly has warned of what it described as covert attempts to use certain state High Courts outside Port Harcourt to frustrate the ongoing impeachment process against the Governor and Deputy Governor.
In a statement dated 11 January 2026, the Assembly said it had received credible intelligence that unnamed individuals were seeking ex parte court orders to restrain lawmakers from carrying out their constitutional duties.
The statement, signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon Dr Enemi Alabo George, said any such move would amount to a subversion of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Lawmakers cited Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which limit the jurisdiction of courts in matters relating to the tenure of elected officials and expressly bar judicial intervention in impeachment proceedings.
According to the Assembly, those allegedly behind the moves were aware of existing judicial authorities on the issue, including recent Court of Appeal decisions nullifying similar ex parte orders issued by Rivers State High Courts in the past.
“These persons are also fully aware of judicial pronouncements on this matter, especially recently at the Court of Appeal on a matter involving a similar ex parte order by a Rivers State High Court contrary to Section 272(3) of the Constitution. A word is enough for the wise,” the statement said.
With the approval of the Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, the House called on those involved to exercise restraint and desist from actions it described as inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law.
The Assembly added that all officials affected by the impeachment process had already been duly served with notices of allegations of gross misconduct and were expected to respond through the appropriate constitutional channels, rather than resort to what it termed “subterranean moves” aimed at frustrating due process.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and democratic governance, the House said it would not be distracted by attempts to malign the Assembly or intimidate its members as it proceeds with its legislative responsibilities.
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