The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi, has declined to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Sim Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Ordu.
In a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, Justice Amadi cited two existing court orders that prevent him from receiving, forwarding, or considering any request to form such a panel.
These orders were served on his office on January 16, 2026, and remain in force.
Justice Amadi stressed that adherence to the rule of law and constitutional provisions requires all authorities to comply with valid court orders, irrespective of their opinions on the orders’ merit.
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He referenced a 2007 legal precedent in Kwara State, where a Chief Judge faced judicial censure for ignoring a restraining order while setting up an investigative panel—a decision later nullified by the Court of Appeal.
The Chief Judge further noted that the Speaker has already filed an appeal against the court orders at the Court of Appeal, highlighting ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the allegations against the state executive.