The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a crucial order authorizing the Rivers State House of Assembly to continue its constitutional duties without interference, amidst the ongoing discord between Governor Sim Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The court’s directive includes a restraining order against the Rivers State Government, its agents, or affiliates, preventing them from withholding allocated funds meant for the Assembly and obstructing the roles of the Assembly’s Clerk, Deputy Clerk, or the Assembly itself.
This legal development arises from the internal factional strife within the Rivers Assembly, aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Seeking intervention from the court, this order follows two previous decisions instructing both factions to maintain the existing status quo.
The legal dispute traces back to a lawsuit filed by the Rivers Government and Governor Sim Fubara against the Amaewhule faction of the Rivers Assembly on November 1. The High Court in Isiokpo, responding to the initial suit, directed both parties to uphold the status quo, with the case adjourned until December 20.
On November 21, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt issued an additional order, compelling both factions within the Rivers State House of Assembly to maintain the status quo ante bellum and suspend further deliberations until the pending matter is resolved. This legal action was initiated by factional Speaker Ehie Edison.
