A coalition of civil society organisations, including the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA) and the Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL), have expressed their support for the recent verdict that dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections in Rivers State for 27 lawmakers......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja on Friday, dismissed a defection suit against the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. The suit aimed to replace the lawmakers based on their alleged defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment, ruled that the suit brought by the Action People’s Party (APP) was statute-barred, as it had not been filed within the 14 days stipulated by law.
The ruling is considered a landmark decision in the country’s jurisprudence and a vindication for former Governor Nyesom Wike, who has faced criticism from some Nigerians since the defection saga began last year. It also represents a significant victory for the 27 lawmakers who were duly elected to represent their constituencies in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In a statement on Sunday, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of CCLCA, on behalf of other NGOs, remarked:
“We, members of the Coalition, including the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Public Interest Lawyers League, and others, acknowledge that the judgment may not be well-received by those opposed to Rivers State, particularly those seeking to undermine Wike’s legacy. However, we commend the learned judge for upholding the principles of law and justice over sentiments and half-truths.
“Through this judgment, the Nigerian Judiciary has once again demonstrated its commitment to impartiality and justice. In this regard, we urge Governor Siminalayi Fubara to heed the advice of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and allow the 27 lawmakers to return to their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“In the spirit of love, peace, and justice, Governor Fubara should initiate a reconciliation process among the feuding parties in the state legislature. This will pave the way for the full implementation of the peace agreement he signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mediation in the conflict at Aso Rock, Abuja.
“The Coalition is hopeful that Fubara will view this judgment as an opportunity to steer Rivers State away from the brink. We urge him to set aside all sentiments and accept the reality that Rivers State is a united entity whose collective will cannot be fractured by the ambitions of a single individual.
“It is time for Governor Fubara to recognise that those who sow discord and encourage him to turn against those who have supported him are the true enemies of Rivers State.”