The Court of Appeal in Abuja has taken a significant step to address the escalating legal battles in Rivers State by constituting a special three-member panel to oversee political cases from the state. The panel’s sittings are scheduled to begin on Thursday, November 14. This development follows the intensifying rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.
The feud between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike has led to a surge in legal cases from the state, creating factions among political actors and resulting in conflicting judgments from courts of similar authority. This issue has drawn criticism from both judiciary stakeholders and the public, highlighting the need for a swift and decisive resolution.
In response to the growing concerns, Court of Appeal President Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem appointed the special panel to streamline the resolution of these disputes. The panel, headed by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, includes Justices Misitura Bokaji-Yusuf and James Abundaga. They will tackle cases involving key political figures and factions within the state, providing a clear and expedited resolution to the disputes.
Some of the high-profile cases to be heard by the special panel include:
- Governor Fubara vs. Rivers State House of Assembly: A case filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
- PDP vs. APC: Cases involving the alleged defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike from the PDP to the APC.
- Rivers State Government vs. Rivers State House of Assembly: An appeal filed by the Rivers State Government.
- Accountant General of Rivers State vs. Rivers State House of Assembly: A case filed by the Accountant General.
- Action Peoples Party vs. Independent National Electoral Commission: A case filed by the Action Peoples Party.
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During proceedings on Monday, a panel of the court adjourned three appeals, including one filed by the Rivers State Government against the Rivers State House of Assembly and others, to be heard by the new special panel. The presiding Justice Hamma Barka noted that the appeal is among the Rivers matters for which a special panel was constituted.
Senior lawyer Chief Paul Erokoro, representing the appellant, informed the court of plans to ensure that all respondents who had not yet been served would receive necessary documents before Thursday. He also noted that he had just received some filings from the respondents and needed time to prepare his response.
Counsel for the first and second respondents, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) and Dr. Joshua Musa (SAN), representing additional respondents, agreed to the adjournment request for November 14.
The establishment of this special panel is seen as a critical step toward restoring order amid Rivers State’s ongoing political upheaval. Stakeholders expect the panel to provide a fair and impartial resolution to the disputes, paving the way for stability in the state’s political landscape.
