…the Rivers State Judge explained that two court orders restrain him from receiving, processing or acting on any request to constitute such a panel.
RIVERS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined the request to constitute a judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing existing court orders.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had asked the chief judge to set up a seven-member panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
In a letter dated January 20 and addressed to the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, Justice Amadi explained that two court orders restrain him from receiving, processing or acting on any request to constitute such a panel. He noted that the orders were served on his office on January 16, 2026, and are still valid.
The chief judge stressed that respect for constitutionalism and the rule of law requires strict obedience to subsisting court orders, regardless of any doubts about their validity.
He recalled a similar situation in 2007 when the Chief Judge of Kwara State was faulted for ignoring a restraining order to set up a panel, a move later nullified by the Court of Appeal.
Justice Amadi also pointed out that the Speaker has already appealed the injunctions at the Court of Appeal, invoking the doctrine of lis pendens, which requires all parties to await the outcome of the appeal.
According to him, the pending appeal and existing injunctions have effectively prevented him from exercising his constitutional duty under Section 188(5).
He urged the lawmakers to appreciate the legal limitations surrounding the matter and to be understanding of his position.
