Court declines jurisdiction on IYM suit against Wike, RSG


Tina Amanda

A Federal High Court sitting in Portharcourt has declined jurisdiction to entertain a suit filed by Ikwerre Youth Movement (IYM), against Governor Nyesom Wike, Attorney General of Rivers State, the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Security Service and Civil Defence, following the proclamation made by the state government to stop youth base Community activities.

Recall that Ikwerre Youth Movement had approached the court seeking an interpretation as regards to the Rivers State government proclamation proscribing youth-based associations.

The Ikwerre Youth Movement also sought interpretation confirming that the IYM is duly registered under the Allied matters Act, as the right of the association is recognized by the federal government and whether the Rivers state government has right to infringe on their right.

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In his Judgement delivery, Justice James Omotosho, ruled that the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the matter and ordered that the matter be transferred to the Rivers State High Court.

Speaking to our correspondent, Tina Amanda, Clifford Chuku, Counsel to Ikwerre Youth Movement who are the Plaintiffs, said they will work in accordance with the judgement of the court.

“The Judge has made its order and in law, the wisdom of the court is paramount. The Judge made an order for the matter to be transferred not that the matter was dismissed.

“We still have the chance to canvas and argue in court as to whether the Rivers State government do has the right to proscribe IYM being an organization registered under the corporate allied matters Act”

Counsel to the 1st and 2nd respondents, Governor Nyesom Wike and the Rivers State Government declined to speak on the judgement.

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