Appeal Court Sets Up Special Panel Over Rivers’ Political Crises

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has set up a three-member special panel to hear all appeals relating to the political disputes in Rivers State, including the one between Governor Simianalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly.

According to reports, the panel, led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, has scheduled its first sitting for Thursday.

Other members of the panel are Justices Misitura Bokaji-Yusuf and James Abundaga.

On Monday, a panel of the court adjourned three appeals relating to the Rivers State political crises till Thursday for the consideration of the Justice Otisi led special panel.

At the mention of the first appeal on Monday, Justice Justice Hamma Barka, who presided, noted that the 13th to 18th defendants were not yet served.

Responding, appellant’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN) said in view of the non-service on some of the parties, the appellant shall take steps to ensure service on parties that have not been served.

He said the appeal, filed by the Government of Rovers State against the Rivers State House of Assembly and 17 others, “is one of those Rivers matters for which a special panel was constituted”.

He then urged the court to adjourn till 14 November when the panel will commence sitting.