The Rivers State House of Assembly requested a probe into Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They asked Chief Judge Simeon Amadi to form a seven-member panel. Lawmakers accused Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu of gross misconduct.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule led this effort. The assembly aimed to start impeachment proceedings. They sent the request last week. However Amadi refused to act. He cited legal barriers in his response.
Chief Judge’s Firm Refusal
Amadi wrote a letter on January 20, 2026. He addressed it to Amaewhule. The chief judge explained his decision clearly.
He pointed to court orders. These injunctions stopped him from setting up the panel. Officials served the orders on January 16, 2026. Moreover Amadi stressed the rule of law. He said all must obey court decisions. No one can ignore them based on personal views.
Details of the Court Injunction
The court order restrained Amadi specifically. It barred him from receiving or acting on impeachment requests. This included resolutions from the assembly.
As a result, the chief judge felt bound. He could not forward documents or form the panel. The order lasted seven days initially but remained in force. Furthermore, sources confirmed no panel would form. The injunction tied Amadi’s hands completely.
Political Backdrop in Rivers
This refusal highlights Rivers’ ongoing crisis. Fubara clashed with former Governor Nyesom Wike. The assembly splits into factions.
Pro-Wike lawmakers push for impeachment. They control the house under Amaewhule. Fubara’s supporters challenge their actions in court. Meanwhile the state faces governance issues. Residents worry about stability.
Reactions and Next Steps
Fubara’s camp welcomed the decision. They see it as a victory for justice. Opponents plan further moves. For instance, the assembly probes Amadi himself. They accuse him of age falsification.
Meanwhile tensions rise. Legal battles continue. Analysts predict more court cases. In the end, this stalls the probe. Rivers awaits resolution to the feud.
