1. Establishment

The Rivers State Judicial Service Commission (the Commission) is established pursuant to the provision contained in Section 197 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN), 1999 (as amended).  It is noteworthy that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is one of three (3) State Executive Bodies so provided for.

2. Composition

The Commission is presently composed as follows:-

1. Justice S. C. Amadi, DSSRS   Chief Judge –   Chairman

2. Justice I. W. Obuzor, DSSRS  President, Customary Court of Appeal   – Member

3. Z. Adangor, SAN, DSSRS  Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice – – – – – Member

4. Clifford Oparaodu, Esq., DDSRS – – Member

5. Dr. (Mrs.) A. Moni-Nwinia – – Member

6. Sir Ibim Dokubo – – – – Member

7. Chief Richard Ehie, DSSRS- – – Member

8. Victor C. Ugoji, Esq. – – – Secretary

3. Secretariat

The Commission is served by a Secretariat headed by the Secretary of the Commission. The Secretary is a Senior Public Officer of the rank of a Permanent Secretary. The Secretary is assisted in the discharge of his duties by a full complement of staff distributed in three main departments, namely, Administration, Legal and Accounts.

The Secretariat executes the decisions of the Commission, and provides the bridge between the Commission and agencies of the other arms of Government; as well as the Judiciary.

4. Powers of the Commission

The powers of the Commission are provided for in Part II of the 2^nd Schedule to the Constitution. See Section 197(2), CFRN, 1999 (as amended). The Commission shall;  

a) Advise the National Judicial Council (NJC) on suitable persons for nomination to the office of:-

i) Chief Judge of the State

ii) President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the State.

iii) Judges of the High Court of the State, and

iv) Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal of the State.

b) Recommend to the NJC, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the removal from office of any of the officers named above.

c) Appoint, dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over the Chief Registrar, Deputy Chief Registrars, Magistrates, Judges and Members of Customary Courts, and all other members of staff of the Judicial Service of Rivers State.