Rivers PDP Alleges Plot By Amaechi To Reappoint Agumagu As Chief Judge

The Rivers State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Rotimi Amaechi of plotting to reappoint the immediate past Acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Peter Agumagu, in acting or substantive capacity.

The party further alleged that Amaechi planned to achieve his aim by using Hon Justice Charles Wali of the Ahoada High Court, who in recent times has issued judgments in favour of the state government, to issue an order that would empower him to reappoint Agumagu to continue in acting or substantive capacity as state chief judge.
In a statement signed by media aide to the Rivers PDP Chairman – Felix Obuah – Jerry Needam in Port Harcourt on Friday, PDP said it considered this action by the state government as irresponsible and unconstitutional, saying it would not hesitate to challenge and resist such move if the governor  went ahead to secure the order.
The statement read in part; “The party believes that granting such order by Hon. Justice Wali will not only affirm his antecedents in issuing frivolous and controversial orders, but will further heighten tension in the already tensed political atmosphere in the state as a result of Amaechi’s recklessness and stubbornness.
“The party also notes with disaffection the continued issuing of obnoxious orders in favour of his paymaster (Amaechi)”.
The party, among series of such wrongly issued orders by Hon Justice Wali, recalled that it was the same Judge that ordered the release of Leader of the State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, who was detained over attempted murder of his colleague, Michael Chinda last year.
“It is regrettable that the Justice Wali has continued to act in a manner not expected of an occupant of the revered office of a High Court judge as he is favourably disposed to the Rivers State government’s requests for frivolous orders.
“It was the same Justice Wali who issued an interim order restraining Rt. Hon Evans Bipi from parading himself as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and also the latest of which he gave an interim injunction against the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Rivers State”, it said.