In a significant development in Rivers State politics, the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt has decided to reserve judgment in a case involving Sara Igbe and nine other elders against key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Martin Amaewhule, the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Following careful consideration of arguments presented by both parties, the court opted to defer its judgment to a later date, indicating the complexity and gravity of the issues at hand.
Represented by Wilcox Abereton SAN, the appellants have raised concerns about the impartiality of the trial judge and are advocating for the case to be reassigned to a different judge. Their argument emphasizes the importance of fair proceedings in ensuring justice is served.
In contrast, counsel for the fourth defendant, Amaewhule, represented by K.C. Njemanze, contended that the State High Court’s decision to dismiss the case was justifiable, adding another layer of legal complexity to the proceedings.
The genesis of the case dates back to January 7, 2024, when Sara Igbe and nine other Rivers State elders initiated legal action at the State High Court. Their lawsuit sought clarification on the constitutionality of a “Peace Agreement” brokered between Governor Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Amaewhule, and others under the guise of a presidential peace pact in Abuja the previous December.
Additionally, the plaintiffs sought interpretation of Section 109 of the constitution concerning whether lawmakers under Amaewhule’s leadership should vacate their seats upon defecting from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, their efforts were thwarted when the High Court Judge, Justice Chinwendu Nworgu, dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction even before proceedings began. This dismissal prompted the plaintiffs to seek recourse at the Court of Appeal, where the matter is now under consideration.
The decision to reserve judgment underscores the complexity and significance of the legal issues surrounding the case, which has far-reaching implications for Rivers State politics and the interpretation of constitutional provisions. As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders await the court’s final decision with keen interest, anticipating its potential ramifications on the political landscape of the state.
