The Coalition for Truth and Justice is speaking out against a recent court order that restricts the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, from performing certain official responsibilities.
The group is calling for the decision to be reversed, as they believe it is an unjust interference in the governance of Rivers State.
A Federal High Court in Abuja issued the order, which prohibits Governor Fubara and others from obstructing the State House of Assembly’s duties, such as removing or transferring the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the House.
During a press conference on Sunday, December 10, 2023, the Coalition criticised the judiciary for ignoring the current situation in the country.
Dr. Joyce Ogwu, the Executive Director of the coalition, expressed concern about the court order, stating that it demonstrated an alarming level of interference in the state’s governance.
Expressing displeasure, Ogwu said that “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 claimed that the Federal High Court had exceeded its authority by getting involved in a case that should have been handled by the National Industrial Court.
They argued that the court’s decision did not benefit the people of Rivers State and called for a careful investigation into the irregularities committed by the judiciary.
The coalition raised concerns about the Federal High Court’s interference in matters like the appointment and removal of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The group is calling on the appropriate authorities to quickly review the issue before it causes more harm 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.”
