…Moves to constitute investigative panel
The constitutional crisis in Rivers State has deepened as the Judiciary moves to assert its independence amid what it perceives as a calculated attempt by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly to interfere with judicial authority.
During a plenary session held earlier today, Amaewhule and his colleagues petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), calling for an investigation of Chief Judge over allegations of false age declaration. The development has raised legal and ethical concerns, given that the same legislators had previously screened and confirmed the Chief Judge during the Wike administration.
In response, the Chief Judge convened an emergency judicial council meeting late last night, where key deliberations centered on safeguarding the Judiciary from external intimidation and preserving the doctrine of separation of powers.
A highly placed judicial source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that a resolution was reached to constitute an investigative panel to probe alleged misconduct by members of the Amaewhule-led Assembly and certain LGA chairmen who served under the Wike administration. The scope of the inquiry is expected to cover allegations of cult-related activities, perjury, and other breaches of the law for which several Assembly members have been implicated.
Rumours of the anticipated probe has sent shockwaves through the Assembly, with reports indicating that some lawmakers,particularly those who recently returned from abroad, may be making hurried plans to leave the country to evade scrutiny.
Judicial officers present at the meeting reportedly reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rule of law and resisting any form of legislative overreach. As the legal battle line is drawn, all eyes are now on the Judiciary’s next steps in ensuring accountability and maintaining institutional integrity in Rivers State.
