Rivers State Crisis: Chief Justice of Nigeria Launches Investigation into Conflicting Court Orders

In a move to address escalating judicial conflicts in Rivers State, Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has initiated an inquiry into conflicting orders issued by various courts in recent high-profile cases. The Chief Justice, reportedly troubled by the judiciary’s role in the political crisis unfolding in Rivers, has summoned involved judicial officers to face an investigative panel under the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The inquiry comes amid contentious rulings on recent Local Government Area elections in Rivers State, where court orders have clashed. For example, an Abuja court prohibited security agencies from involvement in the election, while a local court in Rivers mandated security presence to ensure the process proceeded smoothly. Similarly, the Abuja court endorsed the Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, aligned with former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while a Rivers State High Court sided with the faction led by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, allied with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Sources indicate that the CJN has taken initial steps to ensure accountability, convening both the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the Chief Judge of the Rivers State High Court, along with other involved judges, to present their explanations. A retired Justice of the Court of Appeal will reportedly chair the investigative panel.

While the NJC has yet to issue an official statement, a high-ranking Council source confirmed that Justice Kekere-Ekun has taken this initiative with determination to safeguard judicial integrity, having recently assumed office. The Chief Justice has publicly expressed her intent to enforce stringent measures against any judicial misconduct, especially given her commitment to reestablishing accountability within Nigeria’s courts.

“I can assure you that judges found to have breached protocol or acted improperly will face serious consequences,” the source told Vanguard. However, details on the panel’s composition and timeline remain confidential. Proceedings will be held privately, although the NJC intends to release its findings when appropriate.