Anxiety-Over-Appeal-Court -udgement-on-Amaewhule,-24 Others-in-Rivers-State
Anxiety Over Appeal Court Judgement on Amaewhule, 24 Others in Rivers State
By Wisdom Tide
Rivers State stands on edge as its citizens await the critical judgment of the Court of Appeal regarding the case brought forward by House of Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers. This appeal challenges the recent ruling of the State High Court and is expected to be a decisive factor in resolving the ongoing political turmoil. The verdict will not only settle the persistent political disputes but also clarify the power dynamics between Governor Siminialayi Fubara and Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The core of the current tension is the interlocutory injunction issued by the High Court in Port Harcourt, which recognized Victor Oko-Jumbo as the legitimate speaker of the House of Assembly. This ruling, delivered by Justice Charles Wali, instructed Amaewhule and the 24 lawmakers to cease representing themselves as speaker and members of the Assembly.
In response, Amaewhule and his fellow lawmakers have sought intervention from the Court of Appeal, requesting that the injunction be vacated to allow them to resume their legislative duties. The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt has opted not to stay the execution of the High Court's order but has instead agreed to hear the matter and deliver a judgment. The three-member appellate panel, comprising Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, Justice Hamma Akawu, and Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu, has directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the court's decision.
Despite this directive, Governor Fubara has been conducting governmental operations with the three-member House of Assembly led by Oko-Jumbo. This faction has proceeded to screen and confirm the chairmen and members of the caretaker committees for local governments. The legitimacy of these actions remains under scrutiny, particularly given the conflict with the elected local government chairmen, whose tenure officially expired on June 17.
These elected chairmen, however, have refused to vacate their offices, invoking a tenure elongation law enacted by the Amaewhule-led legislature. According to this law, they are entitled to remain in office for an additional six months to facilitate the organization of fresh local government elections by the governor. The elected chairmen argue that the High Court's decision to invalidate the tenure elongation law is void, as it was issued contrary to the status quo ante order of the Court of Appeal and an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Omotosho, had previously issued a judgment preventing the governor from interfering in the operations of the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. This legal backdrop has only added to the complexity and tension within the state, creating a palpable sense of confusion and uncertainty.
In an effort to maintain order amidst the escalating situation, the police have taken control of the local government secretariats to prevent potential violent clashes between the supporters of the caretaker chairmen and the elected chairmen. The caretaker chairmen, appointed by the governor, have been forced to operate from temporary locations, while the elected chairmen and their backers continue to commend the police for their role in maintaining peace. They have urged the authorities to persist in their efforts to barricade the secretariats until the Court of Appeal delivers its final verdict.
As Rivers State anxiously awaits this judgment, the outcome promises to be a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape. The ruling will determine not only the legitimacy of the current legislative assembly but also the broader implications for governance and political stability in this oil-rich region
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