A new crisis has erupted in Rivers State just a day after Governor Siminalayi Fubara was stopped from entering the State Assembly quarters.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has asked the Department of State Security Service to investigate the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, over claims of age falsification.
The issue was raised during Thursday’s plenary when the House leader, Mr. Major Jack, presented key documents to the Speaker.
After a voice vote, the House agreed to officially invite the DSS to look into the allegations against Justice Amadi.
The Chief Judge plays an important role in the impeachment process. If the Governor faces impeachment, the Chief Judge must set up a seven-member panel to investigate the accusations against him. The panel’s findings are then reported back to the House.
Political observers believe this move could be an attempt to clear the way for impeaching Governor Fubara, as removing the Chief Judge, who is seen as an ally of the governor, might make the process easier.
Speaking during the session, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dumle Maol, stressed the need for an investigation.
He said, “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.”
The Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, also spoke on the matter.
He said, “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.”
Following a debate, the House agreed to write to the DSS, asking for an investigation into the claims and for the results to be shared with the House for further action.
