The Rivers State Judiciary has refuted a viral report claiming that Chief Judge Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi is embarking on a one-year recess leave, calling it false and misleading.
Rivers State Judiciary
The Rivers State Judiciary has responded strongly to a publication by News Week Electronic Media Channel, which claimed that the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, was set to embark on a one-year recess leave. The report, which was published on March 5, 2025, spread quickly, leading to widespread discussions and speculation. However, the Judiciary has now come forward to completely discredit the claim, calling it false, misleading, and baseless.
In a press release signed by the Chief Registrar, David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq, the Rivers State Judiciary categorically denied the allegation, stating that there was no truth to the report. The Judiciary emphasized that at no time did the Chief Judge announce or plan to take any such leave. According to the press release, the concept of a “one-year recess leave” does not exist in the judicial system. The vacation schedule for Judicial Officers is well known to the public and consists of only three recognized breaks: Christmas Vacation, Easter Vacation, and Annual Vacation. Any claim suggesting otherwise is completely false.
The Judiciary has warned the public against being misled by such publications, labeling the report as an attempt to create unnecessary confusion and disaffection in the state. The press release made it clear that the misinformation was not only misleading but also had the potential to cause unrest and discontent among the people of Rivers State. Given the sensitivity of the judiciary’s role in maintaining law and order, the Judiciary finds it unacceptable that such falsehoods are being spread.
The Judiciary also directly addressed the author of the report, identified as Jake Clifford, along with the publishers operating under the website www.newsweekng.com. They have been ordered to immediately retract the publication or face legal consequences. The strong wording of the press release suggests that the Judiciary is prepared to take action against any individual or organization that engages in the dissemination of false information.
For now, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, remains fully in office and continues to perform his judicial duties. The public is advised to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise. The Judiciary has reassured the people of Rivers State that it remains committed to upholding justice and ensuring the smooth operation of the legal system without unnecessary disruptions.
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