THUR JAN 22 2026-theGBJournal| Justice Chibuzor Amadi, the Chief Judge of Rivers State has declined to set up a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct leveled against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Mrs. Nozi Odu, by the State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule, citing court orders which prevents him from appointing a panel.
Justice Amadi referenced two separate court orders of interim injunction issued on 16th January, 2026 in two suits at the Court of Appeal brought by Deputy Governor Mrs. Nozi Odu (Suit No. : OYHC/6/CS/2026)versus the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Chike Amaewhule as well as at of Governor Siminalayi Fubara (Suit No. : OYHC/7/CS/2026) versus Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule.
The Hon. Chief Judge is the 32nd Defendant/ Respondent in the said suits.
Justice Amadi noted that the said interim orders were served on his office on the same 16th January, 2026.
According to Justice Justice Chibuzor Amadi, in a letter addressed to the Speaker on Tuesday 20th January 2026, Justice Amadi said: ”For the avoidance of doubt, paragraph 1 of the two said orders state thus: That an interim injunction is hereby made, restraining the 32nd Defendant (Justice Amadi) from receiving, forwarding, considering and or howsoever acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment or other documents or communication from the 1st-27th and 31st Defendants for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the purported allegations of misconduct against the Claimant/Applicant for seven days.”
Justice Amadi added: ”Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law are the bedrock of democracy and all persons and authorities are expected to obey subsisting orders of court of competent jurisdiction, irrespective of perception of its regularity or otherwise.
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. Case laws vindicate this position.”
Justice Amadi reminded House Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule that he has also lodged an appeal against the said interim orders at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division.
”I was served with the notice of Appeal on 19th and 20th instant. By the doctrine of ‘lis pendens’, parties and the court have to await the outcome of the appeal.
In view of the forgoing, my hand is fettered, as there as 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 the instant.”
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