Wike vs Fubara: Rivers State High Court Dismisses Legal Challenge Against Tinubu’s Political Intervention

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a legal suit challenging the legality of President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in the political turmoil within the state.

The case, brought forward by 10 representatives of Rivers State citizens, led by His Highness, Anabs Sara-Igbe, was rejected on grounds of lacking jurisdiction. The suit targeted President Tinubu, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State House of Assembly, its Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The plaintiffs sought a constitutional interpretation of a peace accord, questioning whether directives within the documents to resolve the political impasse conflicted with the 1999 Constitution as amended. They also questioned the legality of the President directing the governor to re-present the 2024 budget to 24 members of the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, despite their seats being declared vacant.

Additionally, the applicants raised concerns about the re-submission of names of commissioners who had voluntarily resigned and inquired about the status of the 24 House of Assembly members led by Amaewhule, who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In Tuesday’s hearing, presiding judge Justice Chinwendu Nworgu dismissed all motions, citing the judgement of James Omotosho of the Abuja High Court, which nullified the activities of the Edison Ehie-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court declined jurisdiction to entertain the suit, marking a significant development in the ongoing political challenges within the state.