| Chief Judge | |
|---|---|
Incumbent | |
| Judiciary of Rivers State | |
| Abbreviation | CJ |
| Seat | High Court of Justice, Rivers State |
| Appointer | Governor of Rivers State |
| Term length | age of 65 yrs[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 |
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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 branchofRivers State. The Chief Judge presides over the state's High Court, and is usually the most senior judge of that court.[2]
As of 2021, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi is currently the Chief Judge of Rivers State.[3][4]
Appointment 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.
The 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]
| 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 |
