The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over what it describes as clandestine schemes to obtain unlawful ex parte court orders aimed at preventing the legislature from exercising its constitutional duties, particularly in the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, revealed that the assembly had received credible intelligence indicating efforts by "certain persons" to approach select High Courts in the state specifically those outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division to procure these restraining orders.
The assembly emphasized that those orchestrating the alleged moves are well aware of the relevant constitutional provisions, including Section 272(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which limits jurisdiction over tenure-related matters to the Federal High Court, and Section 188(10), which prohibits courts from questioning or interfering in impeachment proceedings or determinations by the House.
The statement referenced recent Court of Appeal rulings that invalidated similar ex parte orders issued by a Rivers State High Court in contravention of these provisions, underscoring the illegality of such maneuvers.
This latest allegation comes amid heightened political tension in the state, as the assembly widely seen as aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike has initiated fresh impeachment proceedings against the governor.
Notices of allegations of gross misconduct were reportedly served earlier this month, with accusations ranging from unapproved expenditures and withholding of legislative funds to defiance of court rulings on financial autonomy.
The House insisted that the proper course of action for the affected officeholders is to respond substantively and item-by-item to the allegations served upon them, rather than resorting to "subterranean moves to subvert the law" or deploying proxies to discredit the assembly and its members through media campaigns.
Hon. George concluded by urging restraint, stating: "With the leave of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I call on those concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from acts inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law. A word is enough for the wise."
The ongoing crisis between Governor Fubara and the assembly stems from a prolonged power struggle that has disrupted governance in Rivers State for years, including previous impeachment attempts, a state of emergency declaration, and repeated judicial interventions.
The assembly reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and proceeding with its constitutional responsibilities without distraction or intimidation.
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