BREAKING: Rivers Judiciary Shuts Down Claims of Chief Judge's Forced Leave Amid Impeachment Plot Allegations

The Rivers State Judiciary has categorically dismissed reports alleging that the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Simon Amadi, was directed to embark on an annual leave by Governor Siminialayi Fubara in a bid to halt an alleged impeachment plan against him.

The judiciary's reaction follows widespread claims circulating on social media, suggesting that the Chief Judge was ordered to travel out of the country to prevent the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly from proceeding with an impeachment process against the governor.

In a strongly worded statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court, David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq., the judiciary labeled the reports as "false, misleading, and baseless.ÔÇØ

"The attention of the Rivers State Judiciary has been drawn to a publication by NEWS WEEK ELECTRONIC MEDIA CHANNEL on March 5, 2025, with the caption-'BREAKING: Rivers State Chief Judge Embarks on One-Year Recess Leave.' The judiciary categorically and unequivocally refutes this malicious, misleading, false, and baseless allegation against the person and office of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi (DSSRS),ÔÇØ the statement read.

The judiciary emphasized that such claims were entirely unfounded, clarifying that the Chief Judge had neither announced nor planned to embark on any form of recess leave. It further stated that judicial officers operate under a clearly defined vacation schedule, which includes Christmas Vacation, Easter Vacation, and Annual Vacation-none of which involve an extended recess leave as speculated in the viral reports.

"For the records, the Chief Judge did not at any time announce nor intend to announce embarking on any recess or extended recess leave by whatsoever name called, as such leave is alien to the Judicial Officers Calendar of Vacations,ÔÇØ the statement added.

The judiciary urged the public to disregard the "misguided publication,ÔÇØ describing it as an attempt to sow confusion and discord within the state.

The development comes amidst heightened political tensions in Rivers State, with ongoing power struggles between Governor Fubara and the state's legislative arm. The alleged impeachment threats have fueled speculations about political maneuvering aimed at influencing key judicial and legislative figures in the state.

With the judiciary's categorical denial, attention now shifts to the Rivers State House of Assembly, as observers keenly watch how the political drama unfolds in the coming days.