POLITICS
Rivers Impeachment Crisis: High Court Halts Assembly’s Move Against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, Bars Chief Judge from Constituting Investigative Panel
The High Court of Rivers State sitting in the Oyigbo Judicial Division has issued an interim injunction restraining further steps toward the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu.
The order was granted on Friday, January 16, 2026, by Justice F. A. Fiberesima during the hearing of an ex parte motion filed by the Deputy Governor. The suit, marked OYHC/6/CS/2026, was instituted by Professor Odu against the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, 29 other members of the Assembly, the Clerk of the House, and the Chief Judge of Rivers State.
In the ruling, the court restrained the Chief Judge of Rivers State from receiving, forwarding, considering, or acting on any request, resolution, or communication from the Rivers State House of Assembly relating to the constitution of a panel to investigate allegations of misconduct against the Deputy Governor. The injunction is to remain in force for seven days.
Justice Fiberesima also granted permission for substituted service of court processes on the 1st to 31st defendants. The court directed that the originating processes and interim order be served by pasting them at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters along Aba Road, Port Harcourt. Service on the Chief Judge is to be effected through any staff of the Rivers State Judiciary at the Chief Judge’s Chambers within the High Court Complex on Station Road, Port Harcourt. Such service was ordered to be deemed valid and proper.
The matter has been adjourned to January 23, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.
The interim order was issued under the seal of the court and duly signed by the presiding judge, Justice F. A. Fiberesima, with the Assistant Chief Registrar (Litigation), Igwe John Promise, also endorsing t
he order.