The Rivers State government and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have applauded the decision of the Court of Appeal to set aside a judgement of the Federal High Court against the conduct of local local elections in the State.
The three-member panel of Justices led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, ruled that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was the first respondent in the the appeal.
Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, said the latest judgement has rescued part of the loss of confidence on the judiciary.
Johnson, who stated that workers and contractors were now confident that the finances of government would be available to run the state, said: “This shows that the governor made right decisions, and we expect more favourable court decisions.
“I repeat the call by the governor on October 30, 2024, at the state thanksgiving service, that workers and contractors should continue their work without being perturbed. Now, it has been confirmed. No cause for alarm because we are standing on the side of the law and God.”
On his part, ALGON chairman in the state and Mayor of Port Harcourt City local government area, Hon. Ezebunwo Ichemati, agreed that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction over state institutions.
Ichemati said: “It is clear that the conduct of the Rivers State local government election is guided by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) law and these laws dictate the procedures and requirements for the commission to carry out its mandate effectively, and I believe that RISEIC complied with these laws and did not err in their duties.
“The truth is, we cannot help but feel elated by the appellate court’s decision. It not only reaffirms our belief in the justice system but also highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law. This judgment serves as a powerful reminder that no one is above the law, and those entrusted with interpreting it must do so impartially and in accordance with established legal principles.”
