Fubara
Iyunade Grace
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined to set up a 7-man panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara over allegations of gross misconduct. This decision follows a request from the Rivers State House of Assembly, which had commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Justice Amadi cited existing court orders restraining him from constituting the panel as the reason for his refusal. Two separate court injunctions were served on his office, directing him not to receive, forward, consider, or act on any request or resolution from the Assembly regarding the impeachment.
The court orders were obtained by Fubara and Odu, who argued that the impeachment process was unlawful. The Chief Judge emphasized that obeying subsisting court orders is essential to upholding constitutionalism and the rule of law.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had requested the Chief Judge to set up the panel on January 16, citing Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution. However, Justice Amadi stated that the pending appeal against the interim orders means parties must await the outcome before taking further action.
The impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Odu began on January 8, with allegations including budgetary impropriety and failure to present the 2026 appropriation bill. The move has sparked controversy, with some arguing it’s a politically motivated attempt to remove the governor.
The decision by the Chief Judge effectively halts the impeachment process, at least temporarily, and highlights the ongoing legal and political tussle surrounding the Fubara administration.
