Rivers Chief Judge Justice Chibuzor Amadi has refused to set up a panel to probe Governor Sim Fubara, citing existing court orders
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi, has declined to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Ordu.
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Justice Amadi made his position known in a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule.
In the letter, the Chief Judge explained that he was restrained by existing court orders from receiving, processing, or acting on any request to set up an investigative panel.
According to him, the orders were served on his office on January 16, 2026, and remain valid and binding.
He stressed that constitutionalism and the rule of law require strict obedience to subsisting court orders, irrespective of any party’s view on their correctness.
Justice Amadi also cited judicial precedent, recalling a similar situation in 2007 when the Chief Judge of Kwara State was criticised for disregarding a restraining court order to constitute an investigative panel.
That action, he noted, was subsequently nullified by the Court of Appeal.
The Rivers State Chief Judge further pointed out that Speaker Martins Amaewhule has already filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging the restraining orders.
He warned that proceeding with the formation of a panel while the appeal is pending could further complicate the legal process.
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The development is the latest twist in the ongoing political and legal dispute surrounding the proposed impeachment of Governor Fubara, with the courts now playing a central role in determining the next steps.
