Rivers: Group hails court judgement rejecting tenure elongation for ex-LG chairmen

The National Vanguard for Rule of Law (NVRL), has commended the Court of Appeal’s decision to strike out two appeals filed by former Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.

The appeals sought to extend their tenure, but the Court of Appeal found them to be without merit.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Johnson Babatunde, the NVRL, praised the justices of the Port Harcourt Division for their courage and integrity in delivering a sound judgment.

He said the judgement is a resounding victory for democracy, the rule of law and the people of Rivers State.

Babatunde added that the ruling serves as a strong message to politicians who seek to exploit loopholes and manipulate the system for personal gain.

The group noted that it believes that the judgement gives Nigerians hope in the judiciary and demonstrates that the court remains the hope of the common man.

The appeals, with suit numbers: CA/PH/137M/2024 and CA/PH/145M/2024 respectively, were filed by Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and six others to challenge the decisions of the lower court on the elongation of their council leadership tenure.

However, the Court of Appeal found the appeals to be without merit and consequently struck them out.

The statement reads: “We commend the justices of the Port Harcourt Division for once again delivering a sound judgment, upholding the rule of and giving Nigerians hope in the judiciary.

“We also commend Governor Simi Fubara and the Rivers State Government for their unwavering commitment to upholding the constitution and defending the interests of the people.

“We urge the government to continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the people, and to ensure that democratic governance is entrenched in Rivers State.”

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