The political crisis in Rivers State has taken another dramatic turn as the State House of Assembly initiates a probe into the alleged age falsification of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi.
This development follows the Assembly’s recent arrest warrant issued against Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), over his role in the October 5, 2024, local government elections, which were later annulled by the Supreme Court.
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Why is the Rivers Assembly Investigating the Chief Judge?
The probe into Justice Simeon Amadi comes amid a growing power struggle in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara faces resistance from the state legislature, which remains largely loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Key Issues at Play:
- Justice Amadi is accused of falsifying his age, potentially extending his time in office beyond legal limits.
- Justice Enebeli’s warrant of arrest is linked to his role in overseeing the October 5, 2024, LG elections, which the Supreme Court later declared illegal.
- The probe comes just a day after Governor Fubara was locked out of the Assembly complex, preventing him from re-presenting the 2025 budget.
The House of Assembly’s move to investigate Amadi is widely seen as an escalation of the political crisis in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara Locked Out of the Rivers Assembly
Tensions flared further on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara was prevented from entering the State House of Assembly complex.
Security officials closed the gates, citing a lack of official communication between the governor’s office and the Assembly leadership.
However, Governor Fubara insisted that he had formally informed Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his visit via a letter and phone calls since Tuesday.
The governor had planned to re-present the 2025 budget after the Supreme Court ruled that the previous budget process was flawed.
This incident adds to the growing political uncertainty in Rivers State as tensions continue to rise.
Supreme Court Ruling and Tinubu’s Intervention
The crisis in Rivers State intensified after the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025 ruling, which upheld the dissolution of the local government councils and directed the state government to conduct fresh elections.
In response, Governor Fubara directed RSIEC to hold new local government elections on August 9, 2025.
The political crisis has drawn the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who recently met with leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in Abuja.
During the closed-door meeting, Tinubu emphasized the importance of upholding the Supreme Court ruling, urging PANDEF leaders to ensure Fubara complies.
“This is a nation with a rule of law. I should not be President if there is no rule of law. The Supreme Court has spoken—that is it,” Tinubu said.
“Please go back home and help him (Governor Fubara) implement those recommendations within the shortest possible time.”
The Ongoing Power Struggle: Fubara vs. Wike
The Rivers State political crisis stems from a deepening rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
- The Rivers Assembly, dominated by Wike’s loyalists, has repeatedly clashed with Fubara, including an attempted impeachment in late 2024.
- Fubara has received support from Ijaw groups, who see him as their representative in Rivers politics. Some factions have even threatened armed resistance against any attempt to remove him.
The ongoing crisis has fueled fears of political instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
What Happens Next?
The investigation into Chief Judge Simeon Amadi and the arrest warrant for RSIEC Chairman Adolphus Enebeli signal a new phase in the Rivers State political turmoil.
With Governor Fubara locked out of the Assembly, the 2025 budget stalled, and President Tinubu stepping in, the battle for control of Rivers State is far from over.
