By Kingston Magare 22.1.2026
Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi, Thursday declined to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Sim Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Ordu.
Justice Amadi hinged his decision on a court order prohibiting him from entertaining the impeachment notice served on Governor Siminalayi and his deputy Ngozi Odu and also setting up an investigative panel.
In letter to the Speaker Rivers State House of Assembly Martins Amaewhule, and dated January 20, 2026, Justice Amadi emphasized that constitutionalism and the rule of law require all authorities to obey subsisting court orders, irrespective of their perception of the orders’ validity.
He referenced legal precedents, noting that in a similar case in 2007, the Chief Judge of Kwara State was condemned for ignoring a restraining court order when setting up an investigative panel, a decision later voided by the Court of Appeal.
Justice Amadi further observed that the Speaker has already filed an appeal against the court orders at the Court of Appeal, adding another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the allegations.