THIS DAWN — The Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo has refused to grant a perpetual injunction sought to restrain the Chief Judge of the state from acting on requests by the House of Assembly regarding the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a ruling delivered today, the presiding judge acknowledged that the matter is already before the Court of Appeal, and therefore declined to issue the injunction.
The judge emphasized that it would be inappropriate for the High Court to make pronouncements that could conflict with proceedings at the appellate level.
Adjournment Pending Appeal
The court subsequently adjourned the matter indefinitely, pending the outcome of the case at the Court of Appeal.
This decision effectively places the impeachment-related proceedings in a holding pattern until the higher court delivers its judgment.
Legal observers note that the ruling underscores the principle of judicial hierarchy.
It ensures that lower courts do not preempt or contradict matters already under consideration by appellate courts.
Political Context
Governor Fubara has faced mounting political pressure in recent months, with factions in the Rivers State House of Assembly pushing for his removal.
The impeachment process has been marked by intense legal battles, with supporters and opponents of the governor seeking judicial intervention at various levels.
The refusal of the High Court to grant a perpetual injunction is seen as a significant development.
It leaves the Chief Judge’s role in the impeachment process unresolved until the appellate court provides clarity.
Implications
The indefinite adjournment means that the political standoff in Rivers State will continue, with both sides awaiting the Court of Appeal’s decision.
Analysts suggest that the ruling may heighten tensions between the executive and legislative arms of the state.
Meanwhile, also testing the resilience of judicial institutions in managing politically sensitive disputes.
Timeline of Key Events
- October 2023 – Emergence of Tensions
- Political disagreements between Governor Fubara and factions within the Rivers State House of Assembly begin to surface, with accusations of executive overreach and legislative obstruction.
- November 2023 – Impeachment Threats
- The Assembly initiates moves toward impeachment, citing alleged misconduct.
- Fubara’s supporters accuse the legislature of acting under external influence, escalating tensions in Port Harcourt.
- December 2023 – Court Interventions
- Multiple suits are filed in the Rivers State High Court seeking injunctions to restrain the Chief Judge from acting on impeachment requests.
- The judiciary becomes a central battleground.
- January 2024 – Appeal Court Involvement
- The matter is escalated to the Court of Appeal, with litigants challenging earlier High Court rulings.
- This effectively places the impeachment process under appellate review.
- Mid-2024 – Political Realignments
- Fubara consolidates support among grassroots groups and local leaders, while Assembly factions continue to press for his removal.
- The standoff deepens, drawing national attention.
- Late 2024 – Renewed Legal Battles
- Fresh suits are filed, with pro-Fubara groups seeking perpetual injunctions against the Chief Judge.
- The judiciary remains cautious, balancing constitutional duties with political sensitivities.
- January 2026 – Oyigbo High Court Ruling
- The Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo refuses to grant a perpetual injunction restraining the Chief Judge from acting on impeachment requests.
- The judge acknowledges that the matter is already before the Court of Appeal and adjourns indefinitely pending appellate outcome.
Implications Going Forward
The indefinite adjournment means the Court of Appeal’s decision will be pivotal in determining whether the impeachment process can proceed.
Until then, the Chief Judge’s role remains in limbo, and the political standoff between Fubara and the Assembly continues to test the resilience of Rivers State’s institutions.
