Rivers Chief Judge declines to set up panel to probe Gov Fubara, Deputy

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi, has declined to constitute a seven-man judicial panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Dr Ngozi Ordu.

Justice Amadi based his decision on two subsisting court orders which expressly restrained him from appointing such a panel. According to him, the existence of the orders makes it legally impossible to proceed with the request without violating the rule of law.

In a statement explaining his position, the Chief Judge also disclosed that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martins Amaewhule, has already approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the court orders barring the setting up of the panel.

Justice Amadi stressed that until the appellate court determines the matter or the restraining orders are vacated, he is bound to obey the decisions of courts of competent jurisdiction.

The development is the latest twist in the ongoing political and legal crisis in Rivers State, following moves by the House of Assembly to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy.

Legal observers say the refusal underscores the supremacy of the rule of law and may further shift the battle to the courts, as parties await clarity from the Court of Appeal on the legality of the proposed panel and the next steps in the impeachment process.