The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has explained why he declined to comply with a request from the Rivers State House of Assembly to constitute a judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu over allegations of gross misconduct.

His position was outlined in a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.

The House of Assembly had asked the Chief Judge to establish a seven-member panel under Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to probe allegations against the governor and his deputy following the commencement of impeachment proceedings.

However, Justice Amadi said he is constrained by subsisting interim injunctions issued by the Rivers State High Court (Oyigbo Division) that were served on his office on January 16, 2026.

The injunctions, obtained through separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and Prof. Odu, restrain him from receiving, forwarding, considering or acting on any impeachment-related request or resolution from the Assembly.

In the letter, the Chief Judge noted that the Assembly had appealed the court orders at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, and that notices of appeal were served on his office on January 19 and January 20.

He invoked the doctrine of lis pendens, emphasising that all parties and the court must maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the appeal.

Justice Amadi stressed that constitutionalism and the rule of law require compliance with extant court orders, regardless of perceived regularity. He said he is therefore legally disabled from exercising his duties under Section 188(5) of the Constitution in the matter until the interim injunctions are set aside or the suits are finally determined.

The Chief Judge’s stance adds a legal dimension to the political crisis in Rivers State, where impeachment efforts have been at the centre of prolonged discord between the state legislature and the executive.

Observers note that his decision effectively stalls the Assembly’s impeachment process until judicial determinations are concluded.

Justice Amadi urged all parties involved to respect existing court orders and rule of law principles as the matter progresses through the judiciary.