The Rivers State Assembly as passed a motion derecognising Celestine Omehia as a former governor of the state.
The motion was moved by the Leader of the House, Martin Amaewmule, to reverse an earlier resolution of the 8th Assembly on June 30, 2015, which compelled the Executive Arm, headed by Governor Nyesom Wike to recognise Omehia as a former Governor and be accorded all entitlements, privileges and benefits.
He argued that the continued recognition of Omehia in that capacity will be a bridge of the Supreme Court judgement which in 2007 removed Celestine Omehia as a Governor for not being the duly elected candidate in that year’s election.
Passing the motion during their sitting, the lawmakers said Omehia was never in the eyes of the law recognised as a governor of the state.
He was, therefore, asked to return within seven days all the monetary entitlements and benefits he got as a governor, amounting to N600 million.
Omehia was also asked to return about N96.5 million received as a pension and would cease to be addressed as His Excellency.
Omehia’s trouble began in 2007, when he was removed by the Supreme Court six months after being declared as winner of the state governorship election.
The court then ordered that Rotimi Amaechi be sworn in as governor.
He was, however, recognised as governor when Governor Nyesom Wike came on board in 2015.
