Appeal Court Sacks Wike As Rivers Governor

Appeal Court Sacks Wike As Rivers Governor

Ayodele Daniel

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has been sacked by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

The court on Wednesday upheld the decision of the Rivers Stategovernorship election petition tribunal, which nullified the victory of Wike in the April 11 governorship election in the state.

Wike was elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but on October 24, the Justice Suleiman Ambrosa-led Tribunal while delivering judgment in a petition filed by All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Dakuku Peterside, annulled his victory and ordered theIndependent National Electoral Commission, EFCC, to conduct fresh polls.

But the governor appealed the decision.

Delivering judgment on the appeal, Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem, ruled that the election of Wike as Rivers governor did not conform to the Electoral Act.

The three-man panel ordered a fresh election within 90 days and asked Governor Wike to vacate the seat immediately.