The Rivers State House of Assembly have confirmed the nomination of Justice Simeon Amadi as the new Chief Judge of the state.
Justice Simeon Amadi who appeared before the lawmakers at the House of Assembly’s chambers was asked to take a bow and go after giving a brief introduction of himself.
The confirmation came following the letter of nomination by Governor Nyesom Wike which was presented to the Lawmakers during Tuesday’s Plenary and read by the Speaker, Ikuinyi- Owaji Ibani
Governor Wike’s letter was predicated on the recommendation of Justice Amadi for the position by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Shortly after the speaker read the letter, the Majority Leader of the House, Martins Ameawhule, moved a motion for Justice Amadi to take a bow and leave, noting his service from the state Magistrate Court to the High Court of the state.
Ameawhule, who represents Obio/Akpor Constituency I, explained that his proposition was based on the correspondences he received from some of his colleagues, attesting to the eligibility of the nominee.
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The motion was seconded by the lawmaker representing Akuku-Toru Constituency II, Lolo Opuene.
Announcing the confirmation, Ibani stated that all 18 members who were present at the plenary in a House of 32 members all voted in affirmation.
Justice Simeon Amadi is to take over from Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra who is scheduled to bow out in May, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65.
The nomination of Justice Amadi, however, has been criticised by interest groups who accused Governor Wike of influencing his recommendation by the NJC based on ethnic sentiment.
But speaking yesterday, Wike accused those making the allegation of trying to blackmail him.
He said he has already submitted the letter of recommending Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi for appointment as the next Chief Judge of the State from the National Judicial Commission to the House of Assembly.
He added that the process of appointment of the Chief Judge is based on constitutionality and not sentiment.
“I have conveyed the NJC’s recommendation to the House of Assembly. I am not the one who recommended, mine is to act on the recommendation of NJC. I never wrote letter to NJC, I am not a member of Judicial Service Commission (JSC).”
