Rivers’ chief judge refuses to set up panel to probe Fubara, citing existing court orders

Mr Amadi noted that the orders were served on his office on 16 January 2026 and remain effective till date.

Abiodun Sanusi • January 22, 2026

Rivers State Chief Judge, Chibuzor Amadi.[Credit: Rivers State Judiciary]

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, has declined a request by the Rivers State House of Assembly to constitute a seven-member panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Similayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Ordu.

In a letter dated 20 January 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, Mr Amadi cited two court orders barring him from receiving, forwarding, or considering any requests to form such a panel.

He noted that the orders were served on his office on 16 January 2026 and remain effective till date.

He further referenced a legal precedents involving the Chief Judge of Kwara State vs Honourable Dele Abiodun in 2007, noting that the chief judge was condemned by the Court of Appeal for ignoring a restraining court order by setting up a five-man investigative panel; a decision that was later voided by the Court of Appeal.

Mr Amadi emphasized that constitutionalism and the rule of law require authorities to obey subsisting court orders, irrespective of their perception of the validity of the orders.

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