The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the dissolution of the Special Appeal Court panel that upheld the Rivers State Local Government elections conducted under Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The now-disbanded appellate court had ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to prevent the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) from conducting the elections.
The panel, led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, clarified that the Electoral Act does not apply to local government elections, emphasizing the lower court’s lack of jurisdiction.
Governor Fubara had earlier approached the appeal court to overturn a Federal High Court decision barring the release of Rivers State’s monthly allocations. The appeal argued that the High Court’s ruling was issued in bad faith.
Sources report that Wike allegedly influenced the secret disbandment of the original appeal court panel after its rulings favored Fubara’s administration. A new panel, reportedly approved by Wike, has taken over related cases, sparking controversy over judicial interference.
This development comes amidst ongoing political tensions between Wike and Governor Fubara, with disputes extending to issues such as the Rivers State 2024 budget and monthly allocation disbursements. The Federal Government has emphasized adherence to court rulings regarding allocation payments while legal battles continue.
Wike is now playing the role of almighty God in Nigeria just because Tinubu appoints him the minister of FCT. If tinubu did not act fast by cutting off his wings, he may end up hurting him come 2027. Tinubu should sack him or better still order him to stay away from Rivers politics or face sanctions in position. Because Wike can not be acting this way if he has no federal power in him.