Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has retracted his lawsuit against the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, at the State High Court in Isiokpo, situated in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
At the recent hearing on Wednesday, Chief Ferdinand Orbih, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court of his client’s (Governor Fubara) decision to withdraw the case. This withdrawal follows an agreement reached by the opposing factions involved in the state’s ongoing political crisis.
On the defendants’ side, Counsel D. O. Okoro, SAN, clarified to the court that he lacked instructions from his clients to withdraw the case.
After hearing both counsels, Justice Ben Whyte, the presiding Judge, instructed the defense counsel to consult with their client regarding the latest development disclosed by the plaintiff’s counsel.
Subsequently, Justice Whyte adjourned the proceedings to January 31, 2024, seeking a report on the settlement.
Governor Fubara initially sought the court’s order to prevent the Amaewhule-led faction of the State Assembly from impeaching him. Meanwhile, the Amaewhule-led Assembly has retracted the impeachment notice previously served on Governor Fubara.
Amaewhule announced the withdrawal of the impeachment notice during a session held in the House of Assembly quarters, converted into a chamber. He recalled serving a notice of impeachment on the Governor on October 30, 2023, based on allegations of gross misconduct as stipulated in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
