Impeachment: Rivers Chief Judge Declines To Set Up Panel For Fubara Probe

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined a request by the Rivers State House of Assembly to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct.

Justice Amadi, in a formal response to the Assembly, said he could not proceed with the request due to a subsisting court judgement restraining such action.

Recall that the Assembly had written to the Chief Judge seeking the constitution of the panel in line with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides for the investigation of a governor or deputy governor accused of misconduct.

However, the Chief Judge stated that proceeding with the Assembly’s request would amount to contempt of court, as the matter was already sub judice.

“I have received your letter requesting that I constitute a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy,” Justice Amadi said.

“However, there is a subsisting order of a competent court which restrains me from carrying out such action. In obedience to that order, I am unable to act on your request at this time.”

The development marked another dramatic twist in the prolonged political crisis rocking Rivers State, pitting Governor Fubara against lawmakers loyal to his estranged predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.