Wike allies suffer another backlash in appeal court

By Stephen Asaba-ase

The political crisis in Rivers State, which began in October last year, took a turn on Friday when the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt ruled against lawmakers backed by Nyesom Wike.

The lawmakers had sought to regain control of the Rivers House of Assembly, but their appeal was rejected by a three-man panel led by Hamma Barka.

The court upheld a Rivers State High Court order allowing lawmakers supported by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to continue with legislative business.

The appeal was filed by Martin Amaewhule, former speaker of the assembly, and 24 others who are loyal to Wike, the immediate-past governor of the state.

The court also rejected the request to lift the order restraining Wike’s allies from parading themselves as members of the state assembly.

The judge ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until the appeal is determined.