Port Harcourt, Rivers – In a move that further escalates the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, Chief Judge Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has declined to constitute a seven-man investigative panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct leveled against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu.

The decision, outlined in a letter seen by DAILY South Nigeria dated January 20, 2026, cites subsisting court orders restraining him from acting on the matter.

The letter, addressed to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, acknowledges receipt of two requests from the Assembly on January 16, 2026, seeking the appointment of panels pursuant to Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

However, Justice Amadi notes that his office also received interim injunctions on the same day from two separate suits filed by the Governor and Deputy Governor.

These orders, issued by a Rivers State High Court, bar the Chief Judge from receiving, forwarding, considering, or acting on any impeachment-related resolutions or documents for seven days.

Furthermore, the Chief Judge highlights that the Assembly has filed appeals against these interim orders at the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, with notices served on his office on January 19 and 20.

"In view of the foregoing, my hand is fettered, as there are subsisting interim orders of injunction and appeal against the said orders," Amadi states in the letter.

He emphasizes the importance of constitutionalism and the rule of law, referencing case law such as Hon. Dele Abiodun v. The Hon. Chief Judge of Kwara State & 3 Ors. (2007), which underscores the obligation to obey court orders.

Amadi concludes by expressing hope that the Assembly appreciates his legal position and includes enclosures of the court orders and appeal notices.

The impeachment proceedings stem from a protracted political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The crisis, which has roots in disputes over political control and resource allocation, intensified earlier this month when 27 pro-Wike lawmakers in the 32-member Assembly accused Fubara of breaching constitutional provisions, including the alleged non-submission of the 2025 budget.

On January 8, the Assembly served impeachment notices on Fubara and Ordu, giving them seven days to respond.

When no response was forthcoming, the lawmakers reconvened and formally requested the Chief Judge to form the investigative panels.

Speaker Amaewhule, in his letters to the Chief Judge, invoked Section 188 of the Constitution, which outlines the process for removing a governor or deputy for gross misconduct. The Assembly has insisted on proceeding, with Amaewhule vowing that the lawmakers are prepared to resign if unable to uphold the Constitution.

However, legal experts argue that the Chief Judge's role is mandatory only in the absence of restraining orders, and his refusal aligns with judicial precedents emphasizing obedience to court directives.

The High Court's interim injunction, granted by Justice F. A. Fiberesima, was issued ex parte following suits by Fubara and Ordu challenging the impeachment process on grounds of improper service and procedural flaws.

The order specifically restrains the Assembly and Chief Judge from advancing the impeachment for an initial seven-day period, pending further hearings.

The state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the impeachment, calling it unnecessary and urging focus on governance rather than political vendettas.

Legal analysts suggest the impasse could drag on, with the pending appeals at the Court of Appeal potentially determining the fate of the impeachment.

Governor Fubara has remained defiant, asserting, "I'm still the governor" and pledging to uphold peace amid the crisis.

As tensions simmer, observers warn that prolonged instability could exacerbate governance challenges in the oil-rich state.