The Rivers State High Court in Isiokpo Division on Wednesday issued an interim restraining order against the state House of Assembly and its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, from impeaching Governor Siminalaye Fubara.
News About Nigeria reports that the Deputy Speaker, the Registrar and the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, were also attached to the court.
The Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Ben Whyte, announced the verdict following the testimony made by the defendant, Damian Okoro (SAN), on behalf of the governor against the defendants.
The Court further enjoined “defendants and their agents, councils, agents, and representatives from attempting, pursuing, or continuing to remove petitioner from his position as governor of Rivers state.”
The court decision also prohibits the defendants from “calling the plaintiff and/or preventing the plaintiff from fulfilling his duties and responsibilities as governor during the hearing and verdict of the notice.”
Additionally, the judge ruled on behalf of both parties. To control the situation, no action is taken against the prosecution of the petitioner as governor.
The case was later adjourned to 14 November for hearing.
The court action is the culmination of ongoing protests in Rivers State, which began with the bombing of the House of Assembly on Monday night as lawmakers planned to impeach the governor.
The legislators’ decision was triggered by the initiative of Fubara’s leader and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Wike, on Wednesday, rejected all offers to resolve the political dispute with Fubara despite the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and the House of Representatives.
Wike confirmed the legality of the protest against Fubara during a meeting with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja on Wednesday.
He also warned Fubara against joining the nobles in an attempt to undermine him.
