The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reportedly ordered the dissolution of a Special Court of Appeal in Abuja, which recently delivered a ruling favorable to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the state’s Local Government Area (LGA) elections. This development is the latest in the escalating feud between Wike and his former political protégé, Fubara.
The court in question upheld the conduct of Rivers State’s LGA elections, overturning an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court, which had barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The Special Appeal Court panel, led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction, emphasizing that local government elections do not fall under the purview of the Electoral Act. According to the panel:
“The Electoral Act does not apply to local government elections, and the lower court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the appeal.”
Political Maneuvering and Judicial Reshuffling
Sources reveal that Wike, angered by the panel’s decision, disbanded the appellate court panel quietly, allegedly leveraging his influence among senior judicial officials. A new panel was subsequently constituted to review the matter, raising questions about judicial independence.
Justice Hamah Barka, who now heads the newly constituted panel, had previously recused himself from the case due to allegations of bias. However, he now presides over a bench that includes Justices Adebukola Banjoko and Peter C. Obiora. The new panel’s legitimacy and impartiality have become subjects of intense scrutiny.
Revenue Allocation Controversy
The LGA election ruling is not the only legal challenge embroiling Governor Fubara and Wike. A Federal High Court ruling recently halted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing Rivers State’s monthly allocation. The order stemmed from a suit filed by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, accusing the Fubara-led executive of failing to resubmit the 2024 appropriation bill for legislative approval.
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) initially complied with the ruling, halting the October revenue allocation to Rivers State. However, following an appeal by Governor Fubara, the appellate court reinstated the disbursement. The governor, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Yusuf Ali, argued that the High Court’s judgment was issued in bad faith and should be overturned.
Legal and Political Implications
These controversies highlight the deepening rift between Wike and Fubara, which has transcended political disagreements into judicial battles. Critics have raised concerns about potential abuses of power, particularly allegations that Wike’s wife, a senior judicial official in Abuja, may wield undue influence over proceedings.
The dissolution of the Special Court of Appeal also raises broader questions about the sanctity of judicial processes in Nigeria. The legal disputes are expected to have significant political and administrative ramifications for Rivers State and the country at large, as the parties continue to spar both in court and in the political arena.
