Rivers Chief Judge Declines To Probe Governor Fubara, Citing Court Order
Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined to form a judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, pointing to an existing High Court order that bars such action.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had requested the chief judge to establish a seven-member panel to probe Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
A source close to the matter revealed on Wednesday that Justice Amadi cannot act on the request because he is bound by a subsisting court order from a High Court in Port Harcourt.
“The state High Court has issued an order in which the name of the Chief Judge was mentioned. He cannot disobey the law; he must do exactly what the court says,” the source said.
The source further noted that while the Assembly faction led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule could appeal the ruling, the current order remains in force.
“There is a possibility that the Amaewhule group may go on appeal, but the fact remains that the Chief Judge has been ordered by the High Court not to do anything contrary. If there was no court order, I can tell you sincerely that the Chief Judge would have no option but to set up the investigative panel,” the source added.
