The Court of Appeal in Abuja has delivered a landmark judgement, overturning a previous ruling by the Federal High Court that had stopped the Rivers State local government election. This verdict is a significant victory for democracy and the rule of law in Rivers State, and it has been welcomed by the state government and other stakeholders.
The appeal court’s judgement is a clear affirmation of the principle of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. By setting aside the lower court’s ruling, the appeal court has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the Constitution and the laws of the land.
The Rivers State government has hailed the judgement as a vindication of its decision to proceed with the local government election despite the initial court order. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, expressed jubilation over the verdict, stating that it confirms the governor’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
The judgement is also a significant boost to the credibility of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which conducted the local government election. The commission’s chairman, Justice George Omereji, has been commended for his leadership and commitment to free and fair elections.
The appeal court’s verdict has also been welcomed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) faction loyal to ex-governor Rotimi Amaechi. The faction’s spokesman, Darlington Nwauju, hailed the judgement as a correction of the misrepresentation of the Constitution by the lower court.
The appeal court’s judgement is a significant victory for democracy and the rule of law in Rivers State. It is a clear affirmation of the principle of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. The judgement is also a boost to the credibility of the RSIEC and a vindication of the governor’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.