Fubara, Odu’s Suits Challenging Impeachment Face Setback

The legal suits filed by the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, challenging their impeachment by the Rivers State House of Assembly, have suffered a setback following proceedings at the Federal High Court.

At the hearing, the court reportedly declined to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, citing procedural and jurisdictional issues raised by the defence. The court held that certain preliminary objections filed against the suit must first be determined before the substantive matter could be entertained.

Counsel to the defendants argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, maintaining that issues bordering on impeachment are legislative matters governed by constitutional provisions and internal legislative processes.

The plaintiffs, however, contended that the impeachment process violated constitutional provisions, alleging breaches of fair hearing, due process, and abuse of legislative powers by members of the State Assembly.

Despite these arguments, the court’s decision to uphold the preliminary objections has effectively stalled the case, dealing a temporary blow to the legal challenge mounted by the governor and his deputy.

Legal analysts say the setback does not necessarily mark the end of the road for Fubara and Odu, as the suit could be refiled or pursued through an appellate court, depending on the final ruling on the objections.

The impeachment crisis in Rivers State has continued to generate intense political tension, with supporters and critics closely watching the unfolding legal battle.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the court’s decision, while political stakeholders await further developments in what has become one of the most closely followed constitutional disputes in the country.