Why I Decided Against Constituting Panel To Probe Fubara – Justice Simeon Amadi

Siminalayi Fubara

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has explained why he declined to set up a seven-member panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu. This comes amid ongoing impeachment proceedings, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Amadi cited court orders as the reason for his decision and urged lawmakers and other parties to respect the rule of law.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of constitutionalism and compliance with the rule of law, stressing that under the doctrine of lis pendens, all parties must await the outcome of the appeals before any action is taken.

His words, “My office is also in receipt of two separate court orders of interim injunction issued on 16th January, 2026 in two suits… restraining the 32nd Defendant, i.e., the Hon. Chief Judge of Rivers State, from receiving, forwarding, considering or howsoever acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment or other documents from the Assembly for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the purported allegations of misconduct.

Given the above scenario, our legal jurisprudence enjoins the parties to obey the order of interim injunction until it is set aside or the suit is finally determined… In view of the foregoing, my hand is fettered, as there are subsisting interim orders of injunction and appeal against the said orders. I am therefore legally disabled at this point from exercising my duties under Section 188(5) of the Constitution in this instance.”

WOW.