The Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice GEORGE OMEREJI was assigned to investigate the sale of assets and management of finances of the Rivers State Government while AMAECHI was in office as Governor.
But the former Governor approached the court seeking to stop the panel on grounds of bias and pursuing a predetermined outcome by Governor WIKE.
Justice SIMEON AMADI of the State High Court in Port Harcourt had at an earlier dismissed AMAECHI’s suit, before the matter was referred to the Court of Appeal.
In the Appeal Court ruling, Justice O.F. MOLEYE, held that Governor WIKE acted within his power to set up the panel and the former governor, ROTIMI AMAECHI acted in self denial by declining to appear before the panel.
However; Justice MOLEYE acknowledged AMAECHI’s right to approach the court to challenge the constitution of the panel.
Reacting to the Court of Appeal ruling, counsel to Governor WIKE, DEJO LAMIKANRA, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, explained that the court only affirmed the power of the governor.
On his part; the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, EMMA AGUMA said following the judgment, the findings of the Commission of Inquiry would be treated as valid.
However; counsel to the Transportation Minister declined to speak to newsmen on his take on the judgment.
