Rivers: Court Issues Order Against Fubara After Wike’s Men Moved Against Him

A federal High Court has intervened in the financial dispute between the Rivers State Government and its local government areas.

The court issued an interim order on Friday, instructing the state to release funds to the local government areas pending further legal proceedings.

The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, came in response to an ex-parte application filed by nine local government chairmen who are strong loyalists of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Their counsel, Mr. Aliyu Hussein, argued for the maintenance of the status quo until the case is resolved.

Named as plaintiffs in the case are various local government chairmen, including Dr. Chidi LLoyd of Emohua Local Government, Hon Alwell Ihunda of Port Harcourt Local Government, Dr Nwanosike Samuel, Ikwerre Local Government Area; Barrister George Ariolu, Chairman, Obio-Akpor Local Government; Dr Obbinna Anyawu, Chairman, Etchi Local Government Area; and Hon Chidorom Nwaiwu, Chairman, Omuma Local Government Area.

Others are Dr Hope Ikiriko, Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area; Barrister Benjamin Isreal Eke, Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government; and Dr Roland Sekibo, Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA.

They sought relief from what they perceived as unjust withholding of financial allocations and the withdrawal of security personnel.

Justice Omotosho’s ruling prevents the Inspector General of Police, Police Commissioner in Rivers State, and others from removing security details attached to the local government chairmen. The judge emphasized that the Rivers State Government should not obstruct the chairmen from fulfilling their duties until the court reaches a final decision.

The chairmen alleged that the state government, displeased with amended laws governing local government affairs, sought to undermine their authority by withdrawing security support. They argued that without adequate security, they cannot effectively execute their responsibilities.

In response to the plaintiffs’ plea for immediate relief, the court ordered all parties to maintain the existing state of affairs until a formal hearing on the matter scheduled for May 2, 2024. The judge cautioned against any action that could undermine the court’s directive, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.