The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined to constitute a judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The decision comes after the Rivers State House of Assembly requested a seven-member panel to probe the governor and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct.
In a letter dated January 20 and addressed to the Speaker of the House, Martins Amawhule, Justice Amadi said he could not proceed with the panel due to an existing court order.
The letter noted that the court directive prevents the chief judge from setting up any judicial panel on the matter at this time.
The Assembly had earlier raised concerns about alleged breaches of public trust and mismanagement of funds by the governor and his deputy.
The request for the judicial panel was seen as part of efforts to address the growing public tension around the allegations.
However, Justice Amadi’s refusal has intensified the political standoff between the state judiciary and the legislature, as both sides remain at odds over the proper process to investigate the allegations.
The House of Assembly has yet to respond to the chief judge’s refusal, while the state government has not issued an official comment on the matter.
More details are expected as the situation develops.
