The Chief Judge of Rivers State, also known as the Chief Judge of the High Court of Justice, is the title and office of the head of the judicial branch of Rivers State. The Chief Judge presides over the state's High Court, and is usually the most senior judge of that court.[2]
| Chief Judge | |
|---|---|
since 26 May 2021 | |
| Judiciary of Rivers State | |
| Abbreviation | CJ |
| Seat | High Court of Justice, Rivers State |
| Appointer | Governor of Rivers State |
| Term length | Age of 65 years[1] |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of 1999 (Section 271) |
| Formation | 1970 |
| First holder | Justice Michael Holden (1970 - 1976) |
| Final holder | Justice Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi (2021-present) |
| Website | The Chief Judge |
As of 2021, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi is currently the Chief Judge of Rivers State.[3][4]
Appointment
editAppointment to the Office is made by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council subject to confirmation of the appointment by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Duties and responsibilities
editThe Chief Judge of Rivers State has the responsibility of chairing the Judicial Service Commission as well as coordinating the judicial branch.[5] As the judge with most seniority, the Chief Judge administers the oath of office at the Governor's inauguration and may create rules to regulate the operations of the High Court in the state.[6]
List of Chief Judges
edit| No. | Image | Chief Judge | Term of Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael H. F. Holden | 1970 - 1976 | |
| 2 | Ambrose E. Allagoa | 1976 - 1979 | |
| 3 | Donald Graham-Douglas | 1979 - 1992 | |
| 4 | Koripamo D. Ungbuku | 1992 - 1996 | |
| 5 | Felix N. N. Ichoku | 1996 - 2001 | |
| 6 | Iche N. Ndu | 2001 - 2013 | |
| 7 | Daisy W. Okocha | 4 January 2016 – 15 January 2016 | |
| 8 | Adama Lamikanra | 15 January 2016 – 26 May 2021 | |
| 9 | Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi | 26 May 2021 - Present |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Periscoping 2013 Legal Year". The Tide. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
- ^ "Appointment Of (Acting) Chief Judge Of Rivers State". The Tide. 18 December 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
- ^ Chioma, Unini (30 November 2022). "Rivers State CJ, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, To Host Nembe-Se Lawyers Forum's 2nd Hon. Justice Ambrose Memorial Lecture". TheNigeriaLawyer. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Ogbologugo, Joshua (30 March 2021). "Rivers Assembly Confirms Justice Amadi As New Chief Judge". Retrieved 5 September 2023.
- ^ "Judicial Service Commission Members". Riversjudiciary.com. Archived from the original on 20 April 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
- ^ "I won't fail you, Amaechi promises". OnlineNigeria. 31 October 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2015.[permanent dead link]