The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon C. Amadi, has declined to set up a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu. Justice Amadi explained in a letter to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, that his office is bound by two interim court injunctions received on January 16, 2026, restraining him from acting on any impeachment-related requests.
The injunctions arose from suits filed by the Governor and Deputy Governor, listing the Chief Judge as the 32nd Defendant/Respondent. The orders prevent him from receiving, forwarding, or considering any documents from the House regarding the constitution of an investigative panel for seven days. Justice Amadi cited legal precedents emphasizing adherence to court orders and constitutional law, warning against acting despite the injunctions.
He noted that the Speaker has already filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, and under the doctrine of lis pendens, all parties must await the outcome. Justice Amadi urged the House of Assembly to respect the legal position, emphasizing the importance of constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Previously, a Rivers State High Court had similarly restrained the Chief Judge from engaging with any impeachment-related correspondence from the House.
