Rivers State Chief Judge Declines to Form Panel to Investigate Governor and Deputy
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi, has refused to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Sim Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Ordu. In a letter to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, Justice Amadi cited two court orders that bar him from receiving or considering requests to form such a panel.
The court orders, served on January 16, 2026, remain in force, and Justice Amadi emphasized the importance of obeying subsisting court orders, regardless of their perceived validity. He referenced a 2007 case in which 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 noted 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. The Chief Judge’s decision highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the separation of powers in the state’s governance.
The allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Ordu, have been a subject of controversy in the state. The Rivers State House of Assembly had requested the Chief Judge to form a panel to investigate the allegations, but the court orders have put the process on hold.
The case has sparked a debate about the role of the judiciary in ensuring accountability in governance. Justice Amadi’s decision to respect the court orders demonstrates the commitment to upholding the principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law. The outcome of the appeal at the Court of Appeal will be crucial in determining the next steps in the investigation.
The development is being closely watched by stakeholders in the state, who are eager to see how the matter will be resolved. The Rivers State government has not commented on the matter, but the decision of the Chief Judge is seen as a significant development in the ongoing saga. The case is a reminder of the importance of respecting the rule of law and the separation of powers in ensuring good governance.
