By Abigail Philip David
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has formed a special three-member panel to address the surge of political cases from Rivers State. The panel, which will begin hearings on Thursday, November 14, was established in response to escalating legal battles sparked by a conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
This dispute has led to numerous legal cases in Rivers State, dividing political actors and resulting in conflicting rulings from courts of similar jurisdiction. These inconsistencies have drawn criticism from both the judiciary and the public.
In an effort to provide a streamlined resolution, the Court of Appeal President, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, appointed this special panel to handle appeals related to the political crisis in Rivers State. The panel is chaired by Justice Onyekachi Otisi and includes Justices Misitura Bokaji-Yusuf and James Abundaga.
Among the cases scheduled for hearing are appeals filed by Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, alongside disputes involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Key issues include the alleged defection of 27 lawmakers aligned with Wike from the PDP to the APC.
During a session on Monday, a Court of Appeal panel adjourned three cases, including one filed by the Rivers State Government against the Rivers State House of Assembly, to be heard by the new special panel. Presiding Justice Hamma Barka confirmed the appeal’s inclusion in the matters assigned to the Otisi-led panel.
Chief Paul Erokoro, a senior lawyer representing the appellant, assured the court that necessary documents would be served to all respondents before Thursday. Counsel for the first and second respondents agreed to the adjournment request, setting the hearing for November 14.
Two other cases, one involving the Rivers State Accountant General and another filed by the Action Peoples Party against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have also been rescheduled for the special panel’s hearing on Thursday.
The creation of this special panel is intended to provide a swift and clear resolution to Rivers State’s political disputes, a significant step toward restoring order amid ongoing political tensions in the state.
