The Court of Appeal in Abuja has established a special three-member panel to address the increasing number of political disputes emerging from Rivers State. This action follows a political rift between the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The feud has led to a surge in legal battles, further exacerbating divisions within the state’s political landscape.
The special panel, appointed by Court of Appeal President Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, is chaired by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, with Justices Misitura Bokaji-Yusuf and James Abundaga. The panel will handle all appeals related to the political crisis in Rivers State.
Key cases include an appeal from Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with matters involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly the controversial defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike from PDP to APC.
In a court session on November 11, three Rivers-related appeals were adjourned to be heard by the new panel. Among these is an appeal filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly. Chief Paul Erokoro (SAN), counsel for one of the appellants, requested an adjournment as some respondents had not received all necessary documents. The adjournment was agreed upon, with hearings scheduled for November 14.
This development marks a significant effort to expedite the resolution of political disputes in Rivers State, aiming to restore order amidst the ongoing conflict.
