Plot to block Fubara’s impeachment uncovered- Rivers Assembly

The Rivers State House of Assembly has alleged that a plot is underway to obtain a court order aimed at stopping the legislature from carrying out its constitutional duties, including the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The allegation was made in a statement on Sunday in Port Harcourt by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr. Enemi George. According to the statement, the alleged plot involves securing an ex parte order from a Rivers State High Court sitting outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division.

Last Thursday, the House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Odu over alleged gross misconduct. The lawmakers, however, said any attempt to stop the process through the courts would be illegal and “dead on arrival,” warning that it would amount to a subversion of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Describing the alleged move as “subterranean,” George said the office holders should instead respond directly to the notice of allegations already served on them. He stated,

“The Rivers State House of Assembly has received information of plots by certain persons to utilise some Rivers State High Courts, especially those outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division, to issue ex parte orders to illegally stop the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties.

“These persons are fully aware of Section 272(3) of the Constitution, which vests jurisdiction over matters concerning the term of office of governors and members of the House of Assembly in the Federal High Court. Section 188(10) further provides that no proceedings or determination of the House shall be questioned in any court.

“Recent Court of Appeal rulings have reinforced this. A word is enough for the wise.”

The Assembly urged those allegedly behind the plot to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law.

“With the leave of the Speaker, I call on those concerned to desist from acts inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law. All that is required is for the office holders who have been duly served with the notice of allegations to respond item by item, rather than deploy efforts to subvert the law or use proxies to malign members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the media,” the statement added.

The Assembly concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the governance of Rivers State.

“We remain committed to the Constitution and the rule of law. May God bless Rivers State and Nigeria,” the statement said.