The Rivers State House of Assembly says Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, the chief judge of the state, has acknowledged receipt of the impeachment notice served on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, despite a court order restraining him from acting on the process.
The lawmakers disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by Enemi George, chairman of the house committee on information, petitions and complaints.
Last week, the assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy after Major Jack, leader of the house, read allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara. The notice was reportedly signed by 26 members of the assembly.
On Friday, the lawmakers passed a resolution requesting the chief judge to constitute a panel to investigate the allegations, which include budgetary impropriety, failure to present the 2026 appropriation bill, unauthorised expenditure of public funds, and withholding of statutory allocations meant for the legislature.
However, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt had earlier issued an interim order restraining the chief judge from receiving, considering, or acting on any impeachment notice against the governor and his deputy.
The interim order was granted by Justice Florence Fiberesima following two separate suits filed by Fubara and Odu, marked OYHC/7/CS/2026 and OYHC/6/CS/2026.
Despite the court order, George said the speaker of the house had already complied with constitutional provisions, noting that the letters and accompanying documents sent to the chief judge were received and acknowledged.
“All relevant documents, including the notices of allegations of gross misconduct, were attached and duly received,” the statement said.
George added that the impeachment process would continue in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, urging residents of Rivers State to remain calm and not be misled by what he described as attempts to undermine democracy.
He maintained that the assembly’s actions were lawful and thanked residents for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political tension in the state.
