The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon C. Amadi, has declined to set up a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
This decision comes amid impeachment moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Justice Amadi cited two court orders of interim injunction, issued on January 16, 2026, which restrain him from constituting a panel to probe the allegations.
The orders were made in suits filed by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu against the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, and 32 others.
In a letter to the Speaker, Justice Amadi emphasized the importance of constitutionalism and the rule of law, noting that all persons and authorities must obey subsisting court orders.
He also referenced a case law, Hon. Dele Abiodun vs. The Hon. Chief Judge of Kwara State & 3 Ors. (2007), which condemned a Chief Judge for constituting a panel despite a restraining order.
The Speaker has filed an appeal against the interim orders, and Justice Amadi stated that he is legally disabled from exercising his duties under Section 188(5) of the Constitution pending the outcome of the appeal.
