Following the fresh political rift that began in January 2026 in Rivers State, the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has once again been confronted with an impeachment plot after his reinstatement, alongside his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and 27 lawmakers.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu halted the suspension levelled against Fubara, his deputy, and the lawmakers after a declaration on 18 March 2025. The six-month emergency rule was eventually called off on 18 September 2025, following the governance paralysis witnessed in the state.
Earlier, the Rivers State House of Assembly had asked the Rivers Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to commence impeachment proceedings. However, New Daily Prime reported that a High Court has issued an interim order restraining Justice Amadi from acting on Fubara’s impeachment notice.
On 31 March 2021, a report from the state-owned newspaper, ‘The Tide’, indicated that Justice Amadi was appointed under the administration of former Governor, Nyesom Wike, currently serving as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
More details revealed that the decision was seconded by 18 lawmakers following the retirement of Justice Adanma Iyaye-Lamikanra, which was stipulated to take place on 25 May 2021.
As the Rivers State Chief Judge is expected to make a decision following several proceedings, *New Daily Prime* takes a look at some things you may not know about Justice Amadi.
Birth and Origin
Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi was born in Elibrada-Emohua, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.
Early Education
He received his primary education at U.P.E Primary School, Oduoha-Ogbakiri, and St. Philip’s Primary School (later State School), Elibrada, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1970.
Secondary and Advanced Education
He attended County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche, Rivers State, where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1975. He later earned his GCE ‘A’ Level in 1977 from the Federal School of Arts and Science, Sokoto.
Legal Education and Call to Bar
Justice Amadi studied Law at the University of Lagos from 1978 to 1981, graduating with an LL.B (Hons). He was called to the Nigerian Bar on 17 July 1982 after attending the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos.
National Service and Early Recognition
He completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Yola (now Adamawa State) between 1982 and 1983, where his leadership qualities earned him an award as one of the best corps members of his set.
Early Legal Career
He began his legal career in private practice as a junior partner at Iche N. Ndu & Co. (Orogbum Chambers), Port Harcourt, from August 1983 to May 1985.
Rise Through the Magistracy
Appointed a Magistrate in the Rivers State Judiciary on 10 May 1985, he rose to the rank of Chief Magistrate Grade 1 by 1992, serving in several magisterial districts, including Ahoada, Abua, Omoku, Elimgbu, and Bonny/Okrika.
Judicial Appointments
He served as Acting Chief Registrar of the High Court of Rivers State in 1998 and became the substantive Chief Registrar in 1999. He was elevated to the High Court Bench on 23 April 2002 and later became the pioneer Judge of the Okehi Judicial Division.
Chief Judge of Rivers State
Hon. Justice Amadi was sworn in as the 9th Chief Judge of Rivers State on 26 May 2021 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission.
Personal Life and Interests
A Christian of the Anglican faith, Justice Amadi is married with children. His hobbies include watching football, travelling, and reading biographies of notable men and women.
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