The political dispute in Rivers State has reached a new level as it has reached the Supreme Court, involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers who are loyal to his estranged godfather, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike. The group behind Fubara, headed by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, has taken a recent decision by the Appeal Court and taken it to the highest court in the land by submitting an appeal. Since the case is exclusively within the purview of the Federal High Court, this ruling overturned a previous ruling by the Rivers State High Court that had barred pro-Wike legislators from masquerading as state assembly members.
Despite the setback, Governor Fubara reiterated his administration's dedication to the state's progress. While touring the restoration site of the Zonal Hospital in Bori Town, he reassured the people that their administration is working hard despite the difficulties they've encountered. Using a verse from Psalm 23:5, Fubara promised the people that his government will keep fulfilling its commitments and that conquering challenges is an integral element of being a leader.
"I know that a lot of you will be wondering what is going on and all that," Fubara reportedly said, as carried by The PUNCH. The government faces unique difficulties. It may be anybody; the Bible states in Psalm 23, verse 5, that God sets a meal before you. Notice the underlined word "in the presence of your enemies." It's important to remember that the worst is over. Oko-Jumbo said the Appeal Court made a mistake in its jurisdictional decision and challenged the court's decision.
He challenged the court's decision not to recognize the expulsion of lawmakers who had supported Wike and insisted that his group was speaking for the rightful Rivers State House of Assembly. The Appeal Court did not certify Martin Amaewhule and his twenty-four backers as legitimate assembly members, according to Oko-Jumbo. The factional speaker confirmed that the Supreme Court had been notified of the appeal in order to resolve the apparent mistake in the decision made by the Appeal Court. He stressed that the pro-Wike lawmakers are not officially members of the Rivers State House of Assembly until a competent court decides differently.