The upcoming ruling is set to resolve a long-standing political dispute, quelling claims and counterclaims, and restoring stability to the oil-rich state. The verdict will also determine the fates of Governor Siminialayi Fubara and his rival.

 

In Rivers State, anticipation builds as the Court of Appeal prepares to rule on the appeal by House Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 24 lawmakers against a High Court decision.

 

The ruling is expected to settle the ongoing political conflict, resolving claims and counterclaims, and bringing peace to the state.

 

The decision will also impact Governor Siminialayi Fubara and his former ally, Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who are vying for control within the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party.

 

There is tension over a High Court order recognizing Victor Oko-Jumbo as speaker. Justice Charles Wali ordered Amaewhule and 24 others to stop acting as lawmakers.

 

Amaewhule and the lawmakers appealed, asking the Court of Appeal to vacate the order and allow them to resume their roles.

 

The Court of Appeal, while declining to stay the execution of the order, agreed to hear the case and issue a judgment. The three-member panel, comprising Justices Jimi Olukayode Bada, Hamma Akawu, and Balkisu Bello Aliyu, instructed all parties to maintain the status quo.

 

Despite the interlocutory order, the governor has been working with the three-member House led by Oko-Jumbo.

 

The Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly approved local government caretaker committee members.

 

However, elected local government chairmen, whose terms expired on June 17, refused to leave, citing a law passed by the Amaewhule-led lawmakers that extended their terms by six months.

 

They argued that the High Court’s decision to annul the extension law was invalid due to the status quo order from the Court of Appeal and an earlier Federal High Court judgment.

 

They noted that Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court had barred the governor from interfering with the Amaewhule-led Assembly.

 

The legal impasse has created confusion and increased tension in the state.

 

Following the Court of Appeal’s status quo order, the police took control of local government offices to prevent clashes between supporters of the caretaker and elected chairmen.

 

Caretaker chairmen appointed by the governor are operating from temporary offices.

 

Protesting elected chairmen have praised the police for maintaining peace and urged continued protection of the secretariats until the Court of Appeal rules.