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 descent, 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 hinting that only the National Judicial Council, NJC, has the powers to do such
After attaining the mandatory age of 65, Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra will by May this year bow out of office as the Chief Judge of Rivers State.
And to prevent any vacuum as well as ensure a smooth transition, the State Judicial Council had quickly short-listed and sent the names of some Judges to the NJC to recommend her possible successor.
After due consideration, the NJC in its wisdom approved the name of Justice Simeon Amadi.
But the choice of Justice Amadi has not gone 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.
Governor Wike who denied influencing the selection of Justice Amadi also responded to claims of discrimination by the International Federation of Women Lawyers.
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.