In a strong rebuke, the Coalition for Truth and Justice has denounced a recent Federal High Court order that restrains Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from executing specific official duties, sparking concerns of unwarranted interference in the state’s governance.
The Federal High Court in Abuja issued the restraining order, preventing Governor Fubara and others from impeding the statutory duties of the State House of Assembly, particularly in matters relating to the removal or transfer of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk.
At a press conference on Sunday, December 10, 2023, Dr. Joyce Ogwu, the Executive Director of the Coalition for Truth and Justice, criticized the court’s decision, accusing the judiciary of turning a blind eye to the realities in the country.
Expressing her dismay, Ogwu asserted,
“The Coalition for Truth and Justice is afraid that the Judiciary is now for sale to the highest bidder, and the implication is that the commoner has to look elsewhere for elusive justice.”
The coalition argued that the Federal High Court had overstepped its jurisdiction by involving itself in a matter that should fall under the purview of the National Industrial Court.
Ogwu contended that the court’s decision was not in the interest of the people of Rivers State and called for a thorough examination of the anomalies perpetuated by the judiciary.
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Questioning the Federal High Court’s involvement in matters concerning the appointment and removal of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the group urged relevant authorities to promptly review the situation before further damage is done to the democratic process.
The statement reads in part,
“The gang up against the people of Rivers State has assumed a new dimension with the active involvement of the Judiciary. This portends grave danger for our nascent democracy.
“The Coalition for Truth and Justice calls on the relevant authorities to look into the anomalies perpetuated by the courts in Nigeria. It is becoming a banana republic where anything goes to the highest bidder.
“The presiding judge erred substantially by adjudicating a matter outside its jurisdiction. In the eyes of the law, the action stands invalid. The High Court arrogated to itself the powers of the National Industrial Court.
“We are calling for a reverse of the court order by the Federal High Court on Rivers state in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 before Justice JK Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja.
“We desire that the matter be looked into again in the interest of justice before we sink into the abyss.”
