After years of legal battles and contentious political manoeuvring, the High Court of the Rivers Division is set to deliver a landmark judgment on whether Celestine Omehia will be legally recognized as a former governor of Rivers State.
The case dates back to May 29, 2007, when Celestine Omehia assumed office as the governor of Rivers State following the expiration of Peter Odili’s tenure.
However, Rotimi Amaechi challenged Omehia’s legitimacy, contested the primaries that brought Omehia into office.
After a legal battle, the court ruled that Amaechi was the validly elected candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During Nyesom Wike’s tenure as governor of the House of Assembly, he enacted a law recognising Omehia as governor.
In 2023, however, the governor withdrew Omehia’s recognition and demanded that he refund all pensions earned.
Omehia approached the court, demanding that he be recognised as a former governor of the state.
All parties are in court, and judgment is about to be read for or against Omehia.
