By Erewunmi Peace

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has informed the Rivers State House of Assembly that he is currently unable to constitute the requested impeachment panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, citing existing legal constraints.

In a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Justice Amadi explained that subsisting interim court orders issued by a Rivers State High Court currently restrain him from acting on impeachment-related requests.

These orders were issued following lawsuits filed by the governor and his deputy challenging the impeachment process.

The Chief Judge emphasized that under the doctrine of lis pendens, he cannot exercise his constitutional powers to set up the panel while the matter is before the courts, including pending appeals at the Court of Appeal.

He urged the Assembly to respect the rule of law and await the resolution of these legal proceedings before taking further action.

Justice Amadi also stated that he remains committed to upholding the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary and that the impeachment process can only proceed once the legal hurdles are cleared.

The Assembly had earlier requested the Chief Judge to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations against the governor and his deputy.

The Rivers State political landscape has been tense in recent weeks, with the Assembly insisting on pursuing the impeachment process while the executive maintains that ongoing court orders prevent such actions.

Observers say the Chief Judge’s decision underscores the importance of judicial compliance and the rule of law in politically sensitive matters.