Okubor Asks CJN To Stop Outside Courts From Meddling In Rivers State Crisis

Top Delta State political actor, Dr Festus Okubor has written an open letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola admonishing him to protect the jurisdiction of the courts in Rivers State over the political crisis in the state.

Okubor who served as chief strategist to the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and before then as chief of staff in the Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan government in an open letter to the CJN urged him to ensure that courts outside of Rivers State do not meddle into the crisis between Governor Simi Fubara and his estranged political benefactor, Nyesom Wike.

GWG.ng reports that the admonitions of Dr Okubor is coming against apprehensions over the prospects of outside courts issuing contrary orders that could contradict the issues in Rivers State.

He said:

His Lordship,

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN.

My Lord, the CJN, I trust this letter meets you in good stead.

Not being a Lawyer and consequently not at home with right channels of communication with your exalted office, I have elected toeing this open approach because of the urgency of the burden and fear in my mind for the judiciary of Nigeria under your leadership.

I will not attempt to rate the judiciary in terms of public confidence or perception. I believe your research teams are well able to advise you on that.

It is urgent to call on you to use your good offices to direct all Judicial officers to refrain from and refuse to handle any case touching on the political developments in Rivers State, at this point with the exception of the State High Court of Rivers State or The Federal High Court in Rivers State.

This may be seen as an unnecessary advisory, but happenings in courts of recent, make it necessary. A situation where courts other than those in Rivers dabble into these matters between the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and the Rivers State House of Assembly will clearly be well understood to be in aid of forum shopping and inspired by enormous corrupt practice.

Such allegations, unfortunately, will need no proof in the court of public opinion and will do great damage to the reputation of the judiciary under your superintendence.

I do not know how else to put this and not incur your wrath, but please accept this as from an innocent heart that means well for you and the judiciary.

Ban all courts and judges other than those of the Rivers State and Federal High Courts in Rivers State, from exercising original jurisdiction in the current political show in Rivers State.

GWG.ng reports that Dr Okubor’s submission on Rivers State is expected to receive the commendation from other concerned stakeholders in the polity.

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