Rivers Chief Judge Refuses Assembly’s Request to Probe Governor Fubara, Cites Court Injunction

High Court order blocks judicial panel, intensifying political crisis in Rivers State

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has refused to set up a judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing a subsisting High Court order that restrains him from taking such action.

The decision follows a request by the Rivers State House of Assembly for the chief judge to constitute a seven-member panel to probe Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct.

A source familiar with the development told DAILY POST on Wednesday that the chief judge cannot comply because the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has already issued an order naming the chief judge and directing him not to act in a way that contradicts the ruling.

“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 also noted that while the faction of the Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule may choose to appeal the ruling, the current injunction remains binding until overturned.

“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 not have any option but to set up the investigative panel,” the source added.

The development further deepens the ongoing political standoff in Rivers State, where competing factions within the legislature and executive continue to clash over control and accountability.