The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has announced plans to embark on a one-year recess leave, a decision that comes at a critical moment amid the ongoing political turmoil in the state, according to a report by Newsweek NG.

This development is seen as a major setback to the impeachment efforts against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as the Chief Judge plays a key role in such proceedings.

A source familiar with the development disclosed that the Chief Judge is taking this decision to protect his reputation, stating that he does not want his years of service and integrity to be tainted by the ongoing political crisis.

“The Chief Judge does not want this issue to spoil his reputation, which he has built over the years,” the source added.

The crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly escalated following a recent Supreme Court ruling, which reinstated 27 defected lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. The reinstated legislators, led by Martins Amaewhule, wasted no time in issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Fubara, demanding that he present the 2025 state budget or face impeachment.

Under constitutional provisions, the Chief Judge is responsible for signing official documents to formalize an impeachment process. However, with the Chief Judge’s decision to take an extended leave, the impeachment threat has hit a significant legal hurdle.

Adding to the political deadlock, only Governor Fubara has the constitutional authority to appoint an Acting Chief Judge, meaning that without his approval, the process cannot proceed.

The announcement has further complicated the political crisis in Rivers State, leaving both factions locked in a high-stakes power struggle. With the Chief Judge unavailable and the governor holding the power to appoint a temporary replacement, the impeachment push against Fubara appears to be on hold indefinitely.

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626

_______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.