The Chief Judge of Rivers State, the Honourable Justice Simeon Amadi, has formally declined a request by the State House of Assembly to constitute a judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
Justice Amadi cited a subsisting order from the Rivers State High Court as the primary legal impediment, noting that he is bound by the judiciary’s own restraining directives.
The request for a seven-member investigative panel was initiated by the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. The proposed probe sought to examine allegations of “gross misconduct” leveled against both the Governor and the Deputy Governor, a move widely viewed as a precursor to potential impeachment proceedings.
However, a credible source familiar with the matter confirmed on Wednesday that the Chief Judge would not be acceding to the Assembly’s demands. The source emphasised that the judicial leadership remains committed to the rule of law and the sanctity of existing court rulings.
The refusal stems from a specific order issued by a High Court sitting in Port Harcourt. This directive explicitly names the Chief Judge and restrains him from taking any action that would contravene the court’s current position on the matter.
“The state High Court has issued an order in which the name of the Chief Judge was specifically mentioned,” the source stated. “He cannot disobey the law; he must adhere strictly to the court’s instructions.”
The source further clarified that while the Chief Judge’s office is constitutionally mandated to respond to Assembly requests under normal circumstances, the current restraining order takes legal precedence. “If there were no such court order, the Chief Judge would have had no option but to constitute the investigative panel. However, the law, as it stands, prevents such a move.”
While the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly may seek to challenge the High Court’s restraining order at the Court of Appeal, the current ruling remains binding on all parties, including the state’s highest judicial officer.
This development adds yet another layer of legal complexity to the ongoing power struggle within Rivers State, as the judiciary effectively acts as a buffer amidst the escalating friction between the executive and legislative arms of government.
For now, the Governor and his deputy remain shielded by this judicial intervention, as the state awaits the next move from the embattled House of Assembly.
