22 Rivers State LG Chairmen and Nollywood Drama

The recent activities of the court and 22 LG Chairmen of Rivers State looks  nothing but a Nollywood movie. Just within a week the Federal High Court in Port-Harcourt sacked the 22 LGA Chairmen elected during the last days of
ex Governor Rotimir Ameachi's tenure, then came the sealing of the secretariats of these councils by the Nigeria Police to prevent any acting Chairman appointed by the state to take over. Suddenly the Federal Government intervened and ordered the police to obey

the "Rule of Law" and unseal the council secretariats on Monday 14 July 2015, and within six hours another judgment from the Industrial Court reinstated the chairmen. This was the case of court and counter court orders all within a week. It is getting interesting to know that the "Rule of Law" is gaining grounds in Nigeria.

The focus of this write up is not to side any political party or court but to focus on the issue at hand (Nollywood Court Injunctions). The law is really an ass and no situation explains it better than the present one. Let the court cases continue and let anyone who feels aggrieved or deprived of justice seek justice from the court and not resort to violence or use of government might. Both courts must have valid reasons for delivering their judgments and at such must be respected.

There are so many petitions concerning Rivers State at the court with the APC suing that the PDP rigged it's way to victory in both the Presidential and Gubernatorial elections and the PDP counter suing that the elections of May that brought the 22 Chairmen to power is illegal. It is difficult to air ones views on the case without recourse to partiality.

What is therefore clear is the "High level political chess game" between former friends turned foes Ameachi and Nyesom Wike. With what is playing out, it is clear none is winning the war so far. Wike delivered on his promise of ousting Ameachi from power but it is clear that Ameachi planted a time bomb with the 22 Chairmen, and his ghost still haunts Wike till date. With the persistent rumour that Ameachi might be compensated by the present Federal Government with a juicy political appointment to counter the state power of Wike and PDP, then the fight will only get dirtier. One can no longer help but respect the political sagacity of both men. It is highly commendable provided it doesn't turn violent.

Let the two parties take their cases to the court and let the court do justice to them. Also let our democracy continue to grow. The only regret is that such political fights shouldn't distract both parties from delivering on their campaign promises to the electorate.