Rivers 2007 Guber Case: Reactions Trail 2014 Adjournment

Mixed reactions have followed the adjournment of Rivers 2007 gubernatorial election matter by the Supreme Court on Monday.

The nation’s apex court, which heard submission from lawyers reserved ruling till February 7, 2014.

Amaechi’s lawyers led by Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) had asked the Supreme Court to set aside the decision of the Appeal Court which allowed the former All Progressives Grand Alliance gubernatorial candidate, Celestine Omehia to join the appeal before it on the ground that he was interested party.

They faulted the decision of the Appeal Court and made references to sections 241 and 243 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

The governor’s legal team, which include Akin Olajinmo (SAN) and Chief Awa Kalu had averred that a person who was not a party in a suit could only lodge an appeal after obtaining the leave of the court.

According to them, Omehia was not a party to the suit and did not obtain a leave.

Back home in Port Harcourt, loyalists to Governor Amaechi have expressed optimism that the governor would not be removed.

Speaking with The Tide in Port Harcourt, Mr. Ochie Dike, one of Amaechi’s stunch loyalist described the hearing of the matter by the apex court as hopeful.

Mr. Dike stated that Omehia could not fight a matter which he had benefited from.

“Why did Omehia contest the April 2007 election if he was aware that Amaechi’s tenure had not expired. Omehia cannot blow hot and cold at the same time,” Dike stated.

He expressed regrets that the former APGA gubernatorial candidate was seeking vendetta and pointed out that Omehia would not be able to actualize his plot.

Mr. Dike noted that Governor Amaechi had performed creditably and deserved to complete his tenure.

Also speaking, Cyprian Enyi, a politician and a Stunch loyalist of Governor Amaechi stated that nobody changed a winning team.

According to him, “Amaechi has changed the face of Rivers State. We as a people need to encourage through our support for his people oriented projects.”

Mr Enyi, who hails from the governor’s maternal home (Egbeda) urged all to support the governor.

He described Amaechi’s achievements as landmark.

Another person who spoke with The Tide, Mr. Mathew Ogbulo said that he was optimistic that the Rivers 2007 gubernatorial election would be cancelled so that power would change hands.

Ogbulo said that as a politician he could no longer cope with the situation where nothing was getting to him.

He noted that the political class lived on politics, and expressed regret that he was not being carried along.

The politician also noted that Governor Amaechi had done well.

Meanwhile, Ogbulo has expressed optimism that nobody would want to rock the boat if all were carried along.

Also speaking, Mr. Chibueze Anayo, a Port Harcourt-based business man said that Governor Amaechi should be allowed to complete his tenure so that he would be able to complete the projects he had begun.

He said removing Amaechi, when his tenure was fast running out would not be in the interest of power sharing formula already entrenched in the state.

Mr. Anayo lamented the Rivers crisis and warned mischief makers to leave the governor alone.

Chidi Enyie