Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness has stated that the rift between the Rivers State Executive and its Legislative arms of Government is becoming worrisome and the actions of the chief executive officer is akin to anarchy.
The group informed that as a coalition of civil rights organization committed to good governance, upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law, they have been watching with keen interest the latest unfolding events in Rivers State.
Firstly, Hon. Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja gave a judgement stating that the Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule is recognized by law and certified by the court.
The group said that in order 4 given by J.K. Omotosho that the 11th defendant which is the Governor of Rivers State in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Rt. Hon. Amaewhule and others states that the 11th defendant is prohibited from making any request, presentation of nomination to any other house of Assembly other than that led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule. That judgement is subsisting. That judgement has not been set aside.
“In other suit pending before the FCT High Court in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2024 before Hon. Justice Okoro Serene Rivers State House of Assembly and INEC concerning the defection of the 27 Assembly members, the court gave an injunction restraining the INEC and the defendants from declaring the seats vacant and from proceeding to conduct elections to fill any vacancy. The first judgement made by Hon. Justice J.K. Omotosho is still subsisting and has not been set aside, the second order made by Justice Okoro has not been vacated.
“Now, the order made by Justice C.N. Wall of the Rivers State High Court recognizing the 3 law makers contradicts clearly the provisions of section 272(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended which states that a State High Court has no jurisdiction to entertain matters bothering on the tenure of the State Assembly. This means that the Rivers State High Court also lack jurisdiction to make an order.
In a press statement released on Monday, the group informed that the order made by Justice C.N. Wali amounts to Forum Shopping, Abuse of Court Process and tantamount to self-help. Consequently, as a coalition of Civil Right Organizations, we cannot allow such threat to our hard-earned democracy to thrive in Nigeria where we operate a constitutional democracy, where the rule of law stipulating the supremacy and predominance of the law should be practiced to the later. Her
We are talking about a purported assembly where 3 persons parade themselves as law makers for an entire state contradicting clearly the provisions of section 96(1) as amendment which defines one-third (1/3) as what constitutes a quorum.
They group stated that if for any reason the Assembly cannot form aquorum, the Assembly shall adjourn. It is never the intendment of those who crafted the 1999 Constitution that only 3 lawmakers shall be enacting laws for the people. The National Judicial Court (NIC) as a body empowered to regulate the discipline of erring Judicial Officers has recently slammed it’s hammer on 3 erring Judges by issuing them with a warning letter.
This letter prohibits them from any form of elevation until such warnings are lifted. It becomes imperative therefore, that we call on the NJC to beam it’s search light on Justice C.N. Wali of the Rivers State High Court for issuing an ex-parte order contradicting section 272(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and violating a subsisting Judgement made by Justice J.K. Omotosho stating that the Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule is the Assembly that is recognized by law and certified by the Court.
Again, the chief executive of Rivers State relocated the Legislative Arm of Government, an institution of government, to commence sitting inside the Government House. This singular act is not consistent with the principles of Separation of Power, a complete aberration, desecration and denigration of our Constitution.
Again, the purported screening of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dagogo Iboroma, before an illegitimate House of Assembly is an affront to the integrity of our legal system and a contemptuous act towards court judgments. The Federal High Court, in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023, clearly ruled that only the Amaewhule-led Assembly of 27 members can determine who their clerk is.
We urge Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, and all leaders of the Bar to uphold the sanctity of the law and refrain from participating in actions that undermine the Constitution and the authority of the Federal courts.
Despite the unambiguous provision of Section 272(3) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended without vacating a subsisting Order has gone ahead perpetrating illegality and contempt of court.
Furthermore, we deplore Governor Sim Fubara’s intention to probe the immediate past administration.
The Governor should also be reminded that the immediate past administration was where him him served as Accountant General of Rivers State. The fact that he is calling for a probe of an administration for which he served as the chief accounting officer of the state already speaks volumes on his real intention for the said probe. Such actions already depict a colouration of a hidden political motive in the enquiry and therefore has voided every outcome or report of such panel of enquiry.
Moreover, Governor Fubara’s alleged plan to demolish the State House of Assembly, a newly built structure is an assault on democracy and an attempt to silence opposition voices in Rivers state. The democratic process thrives on the existence of independent legislative bodies, and any attempts to undermine their autonomy should be condemned in the strongest possible term.
Lastly, we are deeply concerned about reports suggesting that the chief executive is spending Rivers State funds outside the realm of appropriation. A replication of corruption, abuse of power and due process. This act contravenes the principles of fiscal responsibility and accountability. Public funds should be managed prudently and in accordance with the law. We urge the appropriate authorities to investigate these allegations thoroughly and take appropriate actions to safeguard the interests of the citizens.
As a Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations, we firmly stand against these illegal activities and actions of Chief Executive of Rivers State. We call on all citizens, civil society organizations, and leaders of the Bar and the Bench to join us in defending the rule of law, upholding democratic tenets and principles, and safeguarding our constitutionally guaranteed rights.
We will take all necessary steps to oppose these desecrations of our courts and the noble profession of law. Together, we can ensure that justice prevails and the rights of the people in Rivers State are protected.
