The Rivers State House of Assembly has alleged that it uncovered a plot to procure a court order aimed at stopping the legislature from performing its constitutional functions.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr Enemi George.
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According to the statement, the alleged plot involves obtaining an ex parte order from a Rivers State High Court sitting outside Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Recall that the lawmakers last Thursday commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct.
However, the House said the alleged move to stop the proceedings was dead on arrival, noting that it would amount to an attempt to subvert the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers described the alleged plot as illegal, saying it contravenes Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the Constitution, as well as established judicial precedents from the Court of Appeal.
George said that rather than resorting to what he described as “subterranean moves,” the affected office holders should respond to the notice of allegations already served on them by the House.
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 the provisions of Section 272(3) of the Constitution, which states that, ‘subject to the provisions of Section 251 and other provisions of the Constitution, the Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the question as to whether the term of office of a member of a House of Assembly of a state, governor or deputy governor has ceased or become vacant.’
“Also, Section 188(10) provides that ‘no proceedings or determination of the panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.’
“These persons are also aware of judicial pronouncements on this issue, particularly recent decisions of the Court of Appeal concerning similar ex parte orders issued by a Rivers State High Court contrary to Section 272(3) of the Constitution. A word is enough for the wise.”
The Assembly called on those allegedly behind the move to exercise restraint and refrain from actions inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law.
“With the leave of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I call on those concerned to exercise restraint and desist from acts inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law.
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“All that is required is for the office holders who have been duly served with the notice of allegations of gross misconduct to respond to them 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.
We remain committed to the Constitution and the rule of law. May God bless Rivers State and Nigeria,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reports that Fubara, who had recently been out of the country, returned to Port Harcourt and was seen on Sunday attending the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day service at St Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt, alongside his deputy.
Punch