The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has requested an investigation into the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, over allegations of age falsification.
This is a fresh political crisis erupting in Rivers state, barely a day after Governor Siminalayi Fubara was prevented from entering the State Assembly quarters.
The matter came up during Thursday’s plenary when the House Leader, Mr. Major Jack, presented what he described as key documents suggesting the alleged discrepancies in the Chief Judge’s official records.
Following a voice vote, the Assembly resolved to invite the Department of State Services to conduct a formal investigation into the claims against Justice Amadi.
The move has sparked widespread speculation, particularly due to the Chief Judge’s critical role in any impeachment process. According to constitutional provisions, if the House decides to impeach the Governor, the Chief Judge is responsible for setting up a seven-member panel to investigate the allegations against him. The panel’s findings are then reported back to the House for further action.
Political analysts suggest that the Assembly’s latest resolution could be a strategic step toward clearing obstacles to a possible impeachment of Governor Fubara. Removing Justice Amadi, who is perceived to be an ally of the Governor, could potentially smoothen the process.
Speaking during the plenary, Deputy Speaker Hon. Dumle Maol underscored the gravity of the allegations and the necessity of an investigation.
“These documents before me simply say that the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, falsified his age in service. Mr. Speaker, that is a very serious allegation, and I do hope that this House takes legislative notice,” he stated.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule, while addressing the matter, also emphasized the need for a thorough probe.
“The documents are only suggesting a case of age falsification by the Honourable Chief Judge of the state, Simeon Amadi. What it means is that there has to be an investigation to that effect,” Amaewhule said.
Following a brief debate, the House resolved to formally request the DSS to investigate the claims and report its findings to the Assembly for further action.
