Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has denied having any hand in the selection of Justice Simeon Amadi as the next substantive chief judge of the state.
Speaking when he played host to a group of lawyers of Ikwerre ethnic-national, Governor Wike said he has no discretionary power to recommend any judge of the High Court of the State for appointment as the substantive Chief Judge of the State saying that only the National Judicial Council NJC has the powers to do such.
He said the NJC after due consideration, in its wisdom approved the name of Justice Simeon Amadi from the lists of judges sent to them by the Rivers State judicial council,so as to prevent any vacuum as Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra proceeds on retirement.
However, the choice of Justice Simeon Amadi did not go down well in some quarters… with some Lawyers arguing that the NJC ought to have recommended Justice Joy Akpughunum who is the most senior on the High Court Bench of Rivers State.
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Governor Nyesom Wike who denied influencing the selection of Justice Simeon Amadi also responds to claims of discrimination by the International Federation of Women Lawyers that he is not gender sensitive.
While re-affirming that he has no hand in the selection of the next substantive Chief Judge of the State, the Rivers State Governor said he would not be moved by sentiments, or succumb to any blackmail by people who jump to conclusions without bordering to know the truth.
Justice Amadi will take over from Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, who is expected to take a bow out of office in May haven attained the age of 65.
(Editor: Abaje Usakwe)
