‘No court order delaying ex-governor’s screening,’ APC denies reports

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has denied reports that former governor, Rotimi Amaechi’s ministerial screening is being delayed by a court injunction.

Media reports have it that the said injunction was obtained by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a bid to delay Amaechi’s confirmation.

The Rivers APC, via a statement released on Thursday, October 15, 2015, by Chris Finebone, however said that no such order is in existence.

The statement reads:

“Following the announcement, we have made frantic search at the Federal High Court across the country and did not find any such proceedings pending or order before any Court in the country, the Federal High Court being the only Court that has jurisdiction to determine any matter in which the Senate is made a party and its duties and functions are the subject matter, in view of Section 251 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

“Again, because we are aware of the desperation of the PDP and Mr. Livingstone Wechie on this matter, we have nonetheless carried out a search at the High Court Registry in Rivers State, and no indication that such order exists at the High Court of Rivers State, except if such order is given to Mr. Livingstone in the sitting room of a Judge, which we know that no right thinking judicial officer will do so, especially at this time that the National Judicial Council is desirous of sanitizing the Judiciary.”

“Clearly, the State High Court has no powers or jurisdiction under the Constitution to determine a matter in which the subject matter relates to the duties or functions of the Senate."

“The distinguished and Honourable Judges of the Rivers State High Court are fully aware of this Constitutional provision. We strongly believe that none of them would be drawn into such level of judicial rascality or abuse of office, no matter the inducement or incentive.”

Amaechi’s screening has been delayed due to a petition against his nomination by three PDP senators from his state.

READ: Senate says PDP can't stop Amaechi's confirmation

The Senate has however ruled that the petition can’t stop the former governor’s confirmation as minister as the case against him is still pending before a court.

READ: Why Amaechi is Buhari's best ministerial nominee

Amaechi will expectedly be screened on Tuesday, October 20, when the Senate resumes the exercise.