The Coalition for Truth and Justice has raised its voice against a recent Federal High Court order restraining the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, from carrying out specific official duties.
The group is demanding the reversal of the controversial decision, expressing concern over what it perceives as an unwarranted interference in the governance of Rivers State.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had issued a restraining order against Governor Fubara and others, preventing them from impeding the State House of Assembly’s statutory duties, including the removal or transfer of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the House.
The Coalition, at a press conference held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, accused the judiciary of turning a blind eye to the realities in the country.
Dr Joyce Ogwu, the Executive Director of the coalition, asserted that the court order indicated a troubling level of interference in the state’s governance.
Ogwu expressed disappointment, stating, “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 group argued that the Federal High Court had overstepped its jurisdiction by intervening in a matter that should fall under the purview of the National Industrial Court.
She 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.
The coalition questioned the Federal High Court’s involvement in matters such as the appointment and removal of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The group urged relevant authorities to review the matter promptly 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.”
