Rivers CJ declines request to probe Fubara, cites subsisting court orders

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined to constitute a judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing existing court orders restraining him from taking further action on the matter.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had formally requested the Chief Judge to set up a seven-member panel to probe Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.

However, Justice Amadi disclosed that his office was served with two interim court orders on January 16, arising from separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and his deputy. According to him, the orders expressly restrained him from considering, acting upon, or responding to any resolution, request, or document connected to the impeachment process against the governor and deputy governor.
The Chief Judge explained that the doctrine of lis pendens made it imperative for all parties to maintain the status quo and await the determination of the appeal before taking any further steps.
He further noted that the lawmakers had already filed appeals against the interim orders at the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, adding that the notices of appeal were served on his office on January 19 and January 20 respectively.
Justice Amadi urged members of the House of Assembly to “be magnanimous enough to appreciate the legal position of the matter.”
The development has created a fresh stalemate in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The Chief Judge’s stance underscores the importance of adherence to the rule of law and respect for subsisting court orders. It also highlights the need for political actors to seek judicial resolution of disputes rather than resorting to impeachment proceedings.
As events continue to unfold, stakeholders await the outcome of the appeal, which is expected to determine the next course of action in the matter.