Three Appeals Holding Down Gov. Sim Fubara In Supreme Court

Briefing on the Supreme Court Hearing on Monday 15th January, 2023

The Supreme Court postponed making a decision over an appeal aimed at removing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office. All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Mr. Tonye Cole filed the appeal with the supreme court in relation to the state’s March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election.

When the Court resumed, there were four appeals in connection with the election of Governor Sim Fubara. Three of these appeals are connected with the petition of Tonye Cole, while the last one was filed by Dr. Innocent Ekwu.

On the Tonye Cole appeals, the Court agreed with all the lawyers to hear the main appeal and it’s outcome will abide to the other two sister appeals.

Learned Counsel for all the parties proceeded to adopt their briefs of argument and judgment was reserved to be delivered on or before 26th January, 2024 when the matter will statutorily lapse.

On the Dr. Innocent Ekwu’s appeal, the Court took up his Counsel on his lack of locus standi since he did not participate in the general election and he did not receive any vote in the said election. Based on the prompting of the Court, learned Counsel for Dr. Innocent Ekwu applied to withdraw the appeal and the same was accordingly dismissed.