The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised concerns over what it described as covert attempts by unidentified individuals to undermine the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the Governor and Deputy Governor of the state.
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 court orders from Rivers State High Courts outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division to unlawfully restrain the legislature from performing its constitutional duties.
The lawmakers warned that any such move would amount to a subversion of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The statement cited Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which restrict the jurisdiction of courts in matters relating to the tenure of elected officials and expressly prohibit judicial interference in impeachment proceedings.
“These persons are fully aware of existing judicial pronouncements on this issue, including recent decisions of the Court of Appeal which nullified similar ex parte orders issued by a Rivers State High Court in violation of Section 272(3) of the Constitution. A word is enough for the wise,” the statement read.
The Assembly, with the leave of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, called on those involved to exercise restraint and desist from actions considered inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law.
It also recalled previous rulings of the Court of Appeal that struck down comparable ex parte orders, stressing that the legal position on the matter is well settled.
According to the lawmakers, all public office holders affected by the impeachment process have been properly served with notices detailing allegations of gross misconduct and are expected to respond through the appropriate constitutional channels rather than engage in what the House described as “subterranean moves” aimed at frustrating due process.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and democratic governance, the Assembly insisted it would not be distracted or intimidated by attempts to malign the legislature or interfere with its lawful functions.
The statement was signed by Hon. Dr Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints.
