The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over alleged covert attempts by unnamed individuals to frustrate the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the state’s governor and deputy governor.
In a statement dated January 11, 2026, and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Dr Enemi Alabo George, the Assembly said it had received credible intelligence that some persons were seeking ex parte orders from certain Rivers State High Courts outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division to illegally restrain the legislature from carrying out its constitutional duties.
The lawmakers warned that any such action would amount to a subversion of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the statement, Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) expressly limit the jurisdiction of courts in matters relating to the tenure of elected officials and bar courts from entertaining proceedings connected to impeachment processes.
The Assembly also referenced recent decisions of the Court of Appeal, which nullified similar ex parte orders issued in the past, noting that judicial precedents on the matter were clear and well known.
“All affected office holders have been duly served with notices of allegations of gross misconduct and are expected to respond in accordance with due process, rather than resort to subterranean moves aimed at frustrating constitutional procedures,” the statement said.
With the approval of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, the House called on all concerned to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law, and desist from actions capable of undermining democratic governance.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution and insisted it would not be distracted or intimidated in the discharge of its legislative responsibilities.
