THE CHIEF Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined to initiate the formation of a judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
Justice Amadi clarified his position by referencing the legal principle of lis pendens (pending litigation), noting that on January 16, 2026, his office was served with interim injunctions originating from suits filed by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu, which expressly barred him from considering or acting on any resolution, request or document connected to impeachment proceedings against the governor and the deputy governor.
The Chief Judge also disclosed that the State Assembly has already filed an appeal against these injunctions at the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, with notices served on January 19 and 20.
Consequently, Justice Amadi emphasised that all parties are legally obligated to await the judicial outcome of the pending appeal before any further steps can be taken. He urged the lawmakers to acknowledge this definitive legal standing.
