20th August, 2015
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt today dismissed a suit instituted by former Rivers governor, Chibuike Amaechi, challenging the constitution of Judicial Commission of Inquiry probing the management of state assets.
In the judgement presided over by Justice F. C. Amadi today after considering the motion from the claimant and defendant, Amadi held that former governor, Rotimi Amaechi has not shown sufficient evidence that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry will impugn on his fundamental human rights.
The court therefore dismissed the case for lack of merit.
Counsel to the state government and who also is the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Emmanuel Aguma, in his reaction said with dismissal of the case, the legal impediment stopping the sitting of the panel to start the probe has been removed.
He noted that the state would now start its sitting and subsequently make recommendations to government.
Also counsel to Amaechi, Winifred Ihanya said his client would appeal the judgement of court.
Governor Nyesom Wike had set up the probe panel based on the allegations that the past administration of Amaechi mismanaged the resources of the state and sold its assets illegally.
The former governor has however denied the allegations describing them as pure political witch hunt.