Wike provokes legal debate over Omehia

Rivers State Governor, , on Thursday formally restored the rights of a former governor of the state, Celestine Omehia, who was ousted by the Supreme Court, an action which will definitely stir a legal debate in the days to come.

He said the benefits and the entitlements of Omehia as a former governor were also formally restored, even as he personally returned Omehia’s official portrait to where the photographs of other past chief executives of the state were placed at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

It will be recalled that Omehia, who was inaugurated as the governor of the state on May 29, 2007, was replaced by Mr. Rotimi Amaechi on October 25, 2007 through a verdict of the Supreme Court.

Omehia was not recognised as a former governor of the state by the immediate past administration.

Speaking on the development, Wike explained that the decision was taken because Omehia worked as governor of the state between May 29, 2007 and October 25, 2007, adding that he took decisions on behalf of the state.

Wike said, “I hereby put back his official portrait among those of former governors. He is now entitled to the benefits of all former governors.”

Responding, a thrilled Omehia described the day as the most historic day of his political career.

Omehia described the restoration of his rights as a former governor of the state as an indication that his political dark days were over.

His action will definitely provoke a legal debate on the appropriateness or otherwise of the action, as arguments will focus on the legality or otherwise of the Omehia administration, based on the apex court ruling.

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