Rivers Chief Judge Refuses to Set Up Probe Panel Against Governor Fubara

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined to form a judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, citing existing court orders that prevent him from taking action.

The Rivers State House of Assembly had requested a seven-member panel to probe the governor and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct. In a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Assembly Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, Justice Amadi confirmed receipt of the request but said he was legally barred from acting due to interim injunctions issued by a High Court.

According to the letter, the Chief Judge received two interim court orders on January 16, stemming from separate suits filed by Fubara and Odu challenging the impeachment process. The suits particularly questioned whether the notices of allegations were properly served.

The impeachment process began after Major Jack, a House leader, read out allegations against the governor, reportedly endorsed by 26 lawmakers. The Assembly formally requested the Chief Judge to constitute a probe panel on January 16.

Legal experts have questioned the service of the impeachment notices, noting that such documents must generally be personally served unless a court approves an alternative method. Lawyer Living Jamala said improper service could make the impeachment process procedurally invalid.

Following the suits, a High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Florence Fiberesima, issued an order preventing the Chief Judge from acting on any impeachment-related notices or requests from the Assembly.

Justice Amadi’s letter emphasized that the interim orders prohibit him from considering or acting on any documents regarding the impeachment. He also noted that the Speaker has filed an appeal against the injunctions at the Court of Appeal, with notices of appeal served to his office on January 19 and 20.