Court of Appeal hear suit challenging Fubara, Wike peace deal

The resolution signed by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike, in December is still generating concerns especially amongst some elders from the State.

Information available to Africa Update indicates that the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, on Monday granted a request by some Rivers elders, led by Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe and nine others, to serve the leader of the pro-Wike lawmakers’ court papers through substituted means.

The Rivers elders are praying the court to nullify the resolutions entered into by the Fubara, Wike, and the lawyers at a December meeting in Abuja presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

The Rivers elders are contending that Tinubu’s intervention in the crisis between Wike and Fubara was unconstitutional and are asking the court to set aside the resolution made at the meeting.

Recall that as part of the resolution to resolve the political crisis between Wike and Fubara, Fubara was asked to recognise and present the 2024 budget to the pro-Wike lawmakers; he was also asked to reabsorb nine pro-Wike commissioners who resigned their appointment in the heat of the crisis.

The Rivers elders were, however, opposed to the resolutions, contending that they were skewed in favour of Wike against Fubara.

They subsequently approached the Rivers State High Court, for the nullification of the resolutions, but in a January 23, 2024 judgment, Justice Chiwendu Nworgu dismissed the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Displeased, with the judgment, the plaintiffs proceeded on appeal.

Consequently, a three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Oluwayemisi Daudu, on Monday, granted an application for an accelerated hearing of the matter and adjourned till April 8, 2024.