Fresh allegations have surfaced against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Rivers State Local Government Elections.
The case gained prominence after the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned a Federal High Court judgment barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting local government elections.
In its ruling, the appellate court, led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, declared that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over the matter, referencing Section 28 of the Electoral Act, which does not cover state government-conducted elections.
Court Ruling Sparks Allegations Against Wike
Reports suggest that Wike was displeased with the appeal court’s decision and allegedly intervened by dissolving the panel that delivered the judgment. A new panel was reportedly constituted to revisit the matter, now being heard in Abuja, where Wike’s wife serves as a senior judge.
Sources cited by Sahara Reporters claim that Wike enlisted the help of senior judicial officers to dissolve the original panel. “The panel that heard the new appeal is headed by Justice Hamah Barka and includes Justice Adebukola Banjoko and Justice Peter C. Obiora,” the source stated.
Notably, Justice Barka had previously recused himself from hearing Rivers-related cases, citing external pressures and allegations of bias.
Conflict Over Revenue Allocation
The controversy extends beyond the local government elections, as Wike is reportedly unhappy with the Accountant General of the Federation’s decision to release Rivers State’s allocation despite a “stay of execution” order.
Initially, the Federal Government had moved to withhold October’s Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) payment to Rivers State, citing a court order. However, the Office of the Accountant General later clarified that the payment could proceed due to a pending appeal.
Governor Fubara Joins the Legal Battle
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appealed to the Court of Appeal in Abuja to overturn the ruling that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing the state’s monthly allocations. He argued that the Federal High Court’s decision lacked merit and was given in bad faith.
The unfolding events reflect a growing legal and political tussle over governance and resource control in Rivers State. Critics argue that the involvement of senior judicial officers and political actors highlights deeper systemic issues within Nigeria’s judiciary and governance structure.
(Adapted from Politics Nigeria)