A Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice Simeon
Amadi, has dismissed the suit filed by former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi
Amaechi challenging the constitution of the Justice Odedeji – led Judicial
Commission of Inquiry by Governor Nyesom Wike to probe the sale of state assets
by the immediate past administration.
Delivering judgment on Suit Number PHC/187/15 filed by Former
Governor Amaechi on Thursday, Justice Amadi declared that the Judicial
Commission of Inquiry was not established to investigate the personal
activities of the former governor, but set up to investigate previous actions
of government as they affect the people of Rivers State.
He ruled that Governor Nyesom Wike by the provisions of the law
is empowered to establish the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate
previous actions of government.
According to him, there is no law preventing a state government
from finding out how her resources were expended.
He declared that former Governor Rotimi Amaechi cannot disburse
and expend funds of the Rivers State Government and turn around to claim that
such powers belong to the National Assembly.
On the claim by former Governor Amaechi that the 30 – day set
aside for the sitting of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry will deny him fair hearing,
the court held the days set aside has not breached Amaechi’s right to fair
hearing.
The court noted that the former governor has not filed a
Memorandum before the Commission and has not appeared before it, hence he
cannot complain that he was not given fair hearing.
Commenting on the judgment, Rivers State Attorney General,
Emmanuel Aguma said the commission of inquiry can now sit, pointing out that it
will be fair to all parties.
Counsel to Governor Nyesom Wike said that the ruling of the
court has proved that a claimant cannot jump to court to stop the legitimate
business of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
In her remarks, Counsel to Rotimi Amaechi, Former Governor of
Rivers State, Mrs Winifred Enyinnaya said that Amaechi will appeal against the judgment.
It will be recalled that Governor Nyesom Wike upon assumption of
duty ser up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the sale of key
state Assets by the previous administration. Former Governor Amaechi approached
the court to stop the inquiry.
-Daily Post
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