The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon C. Amadi, has declined a request by the Rivers State House of Assembly to constitute an investigative panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Nma-Odu.
Justice Amadi conveyed his decision in a formal response to the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, confirming receipt of two letters dated January 16, 2026, requesting the activation of impeachment proceedings under Sections 188(4) and 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The Chief Judge said he could not act on the requests due to existing court orders and a pending appeal arising from the impeachment process.
According to him, interim injunctions issued by the Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo expressly restrain him from receiving or acting on any communication related to the impeachment of the governor and his deputy.
The suits, filed separately by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Nma-Odu, named the Speaker and other members of the House as defendants, with the Chief Judge also listed as a party in the matters.
Justice Amadi noted that certified true copies of the court orders were served on his office and remain valid until vacated or overturned by a higher court.
He further disclosed that the House of Assembly has filed an appeal challenging the interim injunctions, stressing that the doctrine of lis pendens applies once a matter is before the appellate court.
The Chief Judge explained that the principle requires all parties to maintain the status quo until the appeal is determined, adding that any contrary action would amount to a breach of judicial discipline.
He emphasised that obedience to court orders is mandatory for all authorities and cited previous judicial decisions where chief judges were faulted for proceeding in defiance of subsisting injunctions.
Justice Amadi stated that, in view of the legal constraints, he is presently unable to exercise his constitutional responsibility to constitute an investigative panel under Section 188(5) of the Constitution.
The decision effectively halts the impeachment process initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly and places the dispute squarely before the courts, pending the resolution of both the appeal and the substantive suits.
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