Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly fixed October 7 to sign the instrument, which effectively cancels the recognition accorded Sir Celestine Omehia as a former governor of the State.
A statement by Wike’s Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said the governor would sign the instrument in the Government House at 12 noon.
“His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, is to sign the instrument on cancellation of the recognition of Sir Celestine Omehia as a former governor of Rivers State.
“The cancellation of the recognition is sequel to the resolution of the Rivers State House of Assembly adopted on Thursday, 6th October, 2022 to derecognise Sir Celestine Omehia as a former governor of the State,” Ebiri disclosed through a statement.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had passed a motion to discontinue the recognition being accorded Mr. Celestine Omehia as a former governor of the State.
The motion was moved by the Leader of the House, Martin Amaewmule, to reverse an earlier resolution of the 8th Assembly on June 30, 2015 which compelled the Executive Arm, headed by Governor Nyesom Wike to recognised Omehia as a former governor and be accorded all entitlements, privileges and benefits.
He argued that the continued recognition of Omehia in that capacity will be a bridge of the Supreme Court judgment which in 2007 removed Celestine Omehia as a governor for not being the duly elected candidate in that year’s election.
The lawmaker also submitted a copy of the Nigerian Weekly Law Report that contains the judgment, which removed Omehia from office and declared Rotimi Amaechi as the duly elected candidate of the PDP at the time and the right person to occupy the office of the governor.
He said the motion was being moved to reverse the earlier resolution, arguing that the 9th Assembly has a better knowledge and particulars on the said Supreme Court judgment.