The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has struck out a suit challenging the removal of members of the Local Government Service Commission, marking a significant step in the ongoing political tussle in the state.
The case was instituted by the Commission’s Chairman, Goodlife Ben, and five others, who were appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They sought a declaration that their removal by the former Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, was unlawful and demanded reinstatement.
However, in Thursday’s proceedings, their counsel, Kelechi Ubani, informed the court of their decision to withdraw the suit. He described it as a “painful but necessary choice” made in the interest of peace, stability, and progress in Rivers State.
While defence lawyers urged Justice Frank Onyiri to dismiss the matter outright rather than strike it out, the judge rejected their objection, stressing that civil suits can be withdrawn under Order 25, Rule 1.
Justice Onyiri subsequently struck out the case without awarding costs and commended the claimants for what he called a “noble and reconciliatory” gesture aimed at fostering unity in the state.
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