Justice Simeon Amadi, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, faced suspension as part of a sudden government overhaul on Monday.
Crispus Ovoh, an associate of Governor Fubara, confirmed this development and disclosed that the governor’s chief protocol officer had also been removed.
Additionally, all 23 local government chairmen were relieved of their positions following the election of Ehie Edison as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
During these turbulent times, Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, attempted to challenge impeachment efforts against him as he headed to the state House of Assembly.
However, he was met with resistance from the police, who used gunshots and water cannons to repel him.
Fubara expressed his dismay at the situation, emphasizing his concerns about the destruction of public facilities for personal motives.
The appointment of a chief judge in a state is typically made by the governor upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and is subject to confirmation by the state’s house of assembly.
The Rivers State Police Command promptly initiated security measures in response to the events at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, promising to arrest and prosecute anyone found in violation of the law.
Justice Amadi assumed the role of Chief Judge in May 2021, succeeding Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, who had reached the mandatory retirement age of 65.
His appointment had been made by former Governor Nyesom Wike, who defended the selection process, stating that the NJC’s criteria took precedence over hierarchical ranking in the appointment of a state’s chief judge.
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