The Rivers State High Court’s Port Harcourt division has delivered a significant ruling, declaring that Celestine Omehia cannot be recognized as a former governor of Rivers State.
Consequently, he is not entitled to the pensions allocated to former governors and their deputies.
In a meticulous 97-page judgment that spanned nearly three hours, Justice Daketima Kio dismissed Omehia’s claims in a case brought before the court.
Justice Kio emphasized that the state government’s demand for Omehia to repay N695 million lacked merit, as Omehia hadn’t actively pursued or compelled anyone to disburse those funds to him.
Although his legal representative declined to offer any commentary on the ruling, Senior State Counsel Gilbert Success, representing the state government, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
However, he refrained from divulging whether the government intended to pursue further action in light of the judgment.
Following the expiration of Peter Odili’s tenure, Celestine Omehia assumed office as governor of Rivers State on May 29, 2007.
A legal challenge arose when Rotimi Amaechi contested the validity of the primaries that led to Omehia’s candidacy.
After a protracted legal battle, the court determined that Amaechi was the rightful candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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During Nyesom Wike’s governorship, the State House of Assembly enacted legislation recognizing Omehia’s status as governor.
However, in 2023, Governor Wike revoked Omehia’s recognition and demanded the repayment of all pensions received.
In response, Omehia pursued legal recourse, seeking affirmation of his status as a former governor.
Presently, all involved parties await the court’s verdict, which will determine Omehia’s status and entitlements.
