Court Urged To Reverse Restraining Order Against Governor Fubara

The Coalition for Truth and Justice has strongly opposed a recent Federal High Court order that restricts Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from performing specific official duties.

The coalition is calling for the reversal of the contentious decision, expressing worry about what it sees as unjustified interference in the governance of Rivers State.

A Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order against Governor Fubara and others, prohibiting them from obstructing the State House of Assembly’s statutory duties, which includes actions such as the removal or transfer of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the House.

In a press conference held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, the Coalition accused the judiciary of ignoring the prevailing realities in the country

Dr. Joyce Ogwu, the Executive Director of the coalition, claimed that the court order highlighted a disturbing level of interference in the governance of the state.

Ogwu expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “The Coalition for Truth and Justice is afraid that the Judiciary is now for sale to the highest bidder, and the implication is that the commoner has to look elsewhere for elusive justice.”

The group argued that the Federal High Court had exceeded its authority by intervening in a matter that should be under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court

She argued that the court’s decision was not in the interest of the people of Rivers State and called for a comprehensive examination of the anomalies perpetuated by the judiciary

The coalition raised concerns about the Federal High Court’s participation in issues related to the appointment and removal of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The group called on relevant authorities to swiftly examine the matter, preventing any further damage to the democratic process.

The statement reads in part, “The gang up against the people of Rivers State has assumed a new dimension with the active involvement of the Judiciary. This portends grave danger for our nascent democracy.

“The Coalition for Truth and Justice calls on the relevant authorities to look into the anomalies perpetuated by the courts in Nigeria. It is becoming a banana republic where anything goes to the highest bidder

“The presiding judge erred substantially by adjudicating a matter outside its jurisdiction. In the eyes of the law, the action stands invalid. The High Court arrogated to itself the powers of the National Industrial Court.

“We are calling for a reverse of the court order by the Federal High Court on Rivers state in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 before Justice JK Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja

“We desire that the matter be looked into again in the interest of justice before we sink into the abyss.”

Kanyi Daily recalls that Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State had Vowed to stand firm against any attempts to subject the state to blackmail or intimidation.

[Irp]