The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi, has declined a request from the State House of Assembly seeking the formation of a panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Ordu, over alleged misconduct.
Justice Amadi, in a formal response to Speaker Martins Amaewhule dated January 20, 2026, explained that existing court orders prevent him from taking any step toward constituting such a panel.
According to the Chief Judge, the restraining orders were served on his office on January 16 and are still legally binding.
He noted that the orders expressly bar him from receiving, processing, or acting on requests connected to the proposed investigation.
He stressed that respect for constitutional order leaves him with no discretion in the matter.
“Once a court order is in force, every authority is bound to obey it, regardless of personal views about its correctness,” Amadi said.
Furthermore, the Chief Judge pointed to past judicial precedents to reinforce his position.
He recalled a similar episode in 2007, when the Chief Judge of Kwara State proceeded with an investigative panel despite a restraining order, a move later nullified by the Court of Appeal.
Justice Amadi added that the legal dispute is still unfolding, noting that the Speaker has already challenged the restraining orders at the Court of Appeal.
He said this development further complicates the situation and underscores the need for caution.
“The judiciary must not be seen to pre-empt ongoing litigation or undermine the authority of higher courts,” he said, insisting that due process must be allowed to run its full course.
The decision effectively stalls the Assembly’s attempt to advance the probe, at least until the appellate court delivers its ruling on the matter.