The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has rejected the request by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, to constitute a seven-man judicial panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Similnalayi Fubara.

The House of Assembly had earlier passed a resolution seeking the impeachment of Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, accusing them of gross misconduct. However, Justice Amadi explained that his office was served with two interim court orders on January 16, arising from suits filed by the governor and his deputy. The orders explicitly restrained him from considering or acting on any impeachment-related resolution or request from the lawmakers.

According to the Chief Judge, the doctrine of lis pendens applies, requiring all parties to maintain the status quo until the legal processes are concluded. He noted that the lawmakers have already appealed the interim orders at the Court of Appeal, with notices of appeal served on his office on January 19 and 20.

Justice Amadi urged the legislators to appreciate the legal position of the matter and respect the subsisting court orders. His decision has created a fresh bottleneck in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, leaving the situation fluid as political observers and stakeholders await the outcome of the appeal.