The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi, has declined to set up a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Ordu. He made this position clear in a formal letter sent to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule.

Justice Amadi explained that his decision was based on existing court orders that prevent him from receiving or acting on any request to constitute such a panel. According to him, the orders were served on his office on January 16, 2026, and are still valid. He stressed that as long as the orders remain in force, he is legally bound to comply with them.

The Chief Judge noted that respect for constitutionalism and the rule of law requires all authorities to obey court orders, regardless of personal opinions about those orders. He referred to a past case in 2007 involving the Kwara State Chief Judge, who was criticised and overruled for ignoring a restraining order while setting up a similar investigative panel.

Justice Amadi also pointed out that the Speaker of the House has already appealed the court orders at the Court of Appeal. He said this development adds to the legal processes already surrounding the allegations, and until the courts decide otherwise, he will continue to act strictly within the law.