Court Restrains Wike From Sacking 23 Lg Councils In Rivers State

The National Industrial Court sitting in Yenagoa has granted an interim injunction restraining Rivers State Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike and the State House of Assembly from dissolving the 23 local government councils in the state.

The court, presided over by Justice James Justice Agbadu-Fishim, also restrained the state Attorney-General of the state and agents of the state government from dissolving, suspending, sacking terminating or in any manner whatsoever interfering with the tenure of office of the councils.

The interim order, in Suit No: NICN/YEN/26/2015, which was granted on Monday, June 22, 2015, followed a motion ex-parte and affidavit of extreme urgency filed by chairmen of the 23 local government councils on behalf of themselves, and the 23 local government councils of the state.

The order also restrained the Inspector-general of Police or his agents and proxies from enforcing any purported action detrimental to the existence of the 23 chairmen and councils in the state.

Agbadu-Fishim stated that the interim order will remain in force until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for Interlocutory Injunction

Reacting to the Court order, publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chris Finebone commended the decision of the Court, saying despite the presence of a few bad eggs, the judiciary remains the last hope of the oppressed.

Finebone, “We believe that, despite the presence of a few bad eggs, the judiciary remains the last hope of the oppressed. Therefore, we hail this decision by the Yenagoa High Court as specified in the attached Order.”