The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined a request by the State House of Assembly to set up a panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
In a letter personally signed by him and addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, Justice Amadi confirmed receipt of the legislature’s resolution seeking the constitution of a seven-member investigative panel.
However, the Chief Judge said he was unable to act on the request due to an existing court order restraining such action.
Justice Amadi also referenced an appeal filed by the Speaker at the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt against the interim injunction, noting that he had been formally served with the relevant court documents.
He explained that the presence of the subsisting interim orders, combined with the pending appeal, legally prevents him from exercising his constitutional responsibilities under Section 188(5) of the Nigerian Constitution in the matter.
The House of Assembly had sought the panel as part of impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy, amid ongoing political tensions in the state.
