The Rivers State Judiciary has issued a strong denial of a report published by the Newsweek Electronic Media Channel claiming that the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi (DSSRS), is set to embark on a one-year recess leave. The Judiciary described the report as “malicious, misleading, false, and baseless” in a press release dated March 5, 2025.
The publication, which appeared under the headline “BREAKING: Rivers State Chief Judge Embarks on One-Year Recess Leave,” alleged that the Chief Judge was preparing to take an extended leave of absence. However, the Judiciary has firmly refuted these claims, stating that no such announcement was made, nor is there any intention for the Chief Judge to take such leave.
In the press release signed by David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq., the Chief Registrar of the Rivers State Judiciary, the office clarified that the concept of a one-year recess leave is not part of the Judicial Officers’ Calendar of Vacations. The Judiciary emphasized that the vacation schedule for judicial officers is publicly known and includes the Christmas Vacation, Easter Vacation, and Annual Vacation.
“The Chief Judge did not at any time announce nor intend to announce embarking on any recess or extended recess leave by whatsoever name called,” the statement read. “The public is hereby advised to disregard this misguided publication aimed at causing ill-will, disaffection, and confusion in the State.”
The Judiciary has called on the author of the publication, Jake Clifford, and the publishers of Newsweek Electronic Media Channel to immediately retract the false report. Failure to do so, the Judiciary warned, could result in legal action.
The press release also urged the public to rely on official communications from the Judiciary for accurate information regarding the activities of judicial officers. The Rivers State Judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the judicial system and ensuring that false information does not erode public trust.
This development has drawn attention to the importance of responsible journalism and the potential consequences of spreading unverified claims about public officials.
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