Alleged N96bn fraud: Amaechi’s suit slated for judgement on May 27

The Supreme Court in Abuja has fixed May 27 for judgment in a suit by former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi, seeking to stop his probe in an alleged N96 billion fraud and fraudulent sales of valued assets belonging to Rivers State Government.

The former governor, who is currently the nations’ Minister of Transportation, is praying the apex court to stop Governor Nyesom Wike from investigating his eight-year tenure as the executive governor of the state.

Amaechi, through his counsel, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said the intended probe was aimed at witch-hunting him, to embarrass him, and humiliate him.

He also said the probe was also to disgrace him on the grounds of his political differences with his successor, Nyesom Wike.

However, a seven-man panel constituted by Governor Wike asked the apex Court to dismiss Amaechi’s suit as earlier dismissed by the High Court of Rivers State and Court of Appeal.

Represented by Emmanuel Ukala SAN, Wike insisted that the Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice George Omekeji was to look into how N96 billion was allegedly withdrawn from the treasury of the state government.

Wike also said that the Commission of Inquiry was to look into how the withdrawn money was disbursed, as well as the lawful or otherwise, sales of valuable assets of the state.

The listed valuable assets are Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel and the award of contract for the execution of MonoRail Project.

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who led a seven-man panel of Justices of the Court, announced the judgment day for May 27.