The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reportedly ordered the secret dissolution of a Court of Appeal panel that upheld the legitimacy of local government elections conducted in Rivers State. The elections were overseen by the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike’s estranged political ally.
Sources revealed that the panel, led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, was “quietly disbanded” following its ruling that overturned a Federal High Court judgement barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the voter register for the elections. The appellate court had ruled that the Electoral Act does not cover local government elections conducted by state governments, deeming the lower court’s jurisdiction invalid.
The ruling affirmed the validity of the elections, but its aftermath reportedly angered Wike, who is said to have mobilized senior judicial contacts to disband the panel. This move has sparked controversy amid ongoing tensions between Wike and Governor Fubara, who was once considered Wike’s protégé.
Court of Appeal Judgement Sparks Political Tensions
The disbanded panel’s decision was not the only legal victory for Fubara. Another appellate panel, chaired by Justice Hamma Barka, reversed a court order that had blocked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing monthly federal allocations to Rivers State. However, the situation escalated when Justice Barka recused himself from further cases involving the state, citing pressure and allegations of bias.
Wike’s reported involvement in reshuffling the panel has raised concerns about undue influence in judicial processes. A new panel, allegedly appointed with Wike’s input, is now reviewing the allocation case. Critics have also highlighted the involvement of Wike’s wife, a senior judge in Abuja, as a potential conflict of interest.
Federal Allocation Controversy
The controversy over federal allocations to Rivers State stems from a court order secured by a faction of the Rivers State Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule. This faction accused the Fubara administration of failing to comply with a Federal High Court directive to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill.
Initially, the Accountant General of the Federation halted Rivers State’s October allocation based on the court order. However, the Office later reversed its stance, citing a pending appeal as justification for resuming disbursements.
Governor Fubara has challenged the High Court’s decision, arguing that it was issued in bad faith. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Yusuf Ali, has urged the Court of Appeal to nullify the orders against Rivers State, describing them as unjust and detrimental to governance.
The escalating legal and political battles highlight the deepening rift between Wike and Fubara. Once allies, the two politicians are now embroiled in a power struggle that extends beyond Rivers State to the national stage.
Observers warn that Wike’s alleged interference in judicial matters could undermine public confidence in the judiciary. Meanwhile, Fubara continues to assert his authority, seeking to shield his administration from what his allies describe as politically motivated attacks.
The outcome of these legal battles will likely have far-reaching implications for the governance of Rivers State and the broader political dynamics between the two former allies.
