Rivers State Faults Court Ruling on Suspension of Chairman and Councillors of Obio-Akpor LGA

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Monday, November 25th, 2013

The African Examiner

The Rivers state government has faulted the court ruling on the suspension of the chairman and councilors of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council for alleged fraudulent practices saying the trial judge disregarded a subsisting case on the matter which is pending before the court of appeal.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

The court presided over by Justice Adanma Iyayi- Lamikanra had held that the action of the Rivers State House of Assembly in respect of the suspension was flawed and unconstitutional.

A statement issued by the Rivers state government and signed by the commissioner for information, Mrs Ibim Seminatari and made available to African Examiner disclosed that the state government has filed a stay of action in respect of the judgment.

She said “we are constrained to note that the trial judge acted in total disregard of the Court of Appeal, which at the moment is entertaining an appeal in respect of the matter. We are aware that under the rules of court, where there is a subsisting ruling essentially from the court above, lower courts are as a rule expected to stay action pending the determination of the appeal.”

Mrs Seminatari added that “In this instance, we wish to state without equivocation that the trial judge erred in law when she failed to adhere to age-long principles upon which the rule of law draws inspiration and strength.”

According to her, the Rivers State Government has filed an appeal for a stay of execution of the judgment while the ongoing matter that is being heard by the court above is billed for Thursday, the 28th of November, 2013.

“In the meantime, we appeal to all Rivers people, particularly the good people of Obio/Akpor to remain calm and law abiding. We wish to assure our people that we shall pursue the cause of justice through constitutional and judicial means until the people secure justice.” She concluded

-Sunday Fase, African Examiner