The Supreme Court Monday fixed May 27 for judgment in an appeal by a former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, seeking to stop his probe over alleged N96bn fraudulent sales of Rivers state’s assets.
A seven-member panel of justices led by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola fixed the judgment date after parties argued their briefs in the matter.
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Amaechi asked the court to prohibit Governor Nyesom Wike from investigating his eight-year tenure as governor.
Arguing through his counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Amaechi said the proposed probe was aimed at witch-hunting, embarrassing, humiliating and disgracing him due to political differences with Wike.
However, counsel to Wike, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), asked the Supreme Court to dismiss Amaechi’s appeal.
Ukala insisted that the seven-member Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice George Omekeji was to look into how N96bn was withdrawn from the treasury of the state government and how it was expended.
Wike also said that the inquiry was to look into the lawful or otherwise sales of valuable assets of the state.
The listed valuable assets are Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel and the award of contract for the execution of mono rail project.
Amaechi had filed the appeal at the Supreme Court after the dismissal of his suit at the Rivers High Court, and Court of Appeal.
