The Rivers State House of Assembly has de-recognised Celestine Omehia as a former governor of the state.
The lawmakers, who passed the motion during their sitting, said Omehia was never in the eyes of the law recognised as a 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 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.
Meanwhile, Gov. Wike is set to sign the instrument on cancellation of recognition of Omehia as a former governor of the state.
This was announced in a statement issued by media aide to the governor, Kelvin Ebiri on Thursday.
According to the statement, the signing will take place at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, 7th October, 2022 by 12 noon.
“The cancellation of the recognition is sequel to the resolution of the Rivers State House of Assembly adopted on Thursday, 6th October, 2022 to derecognise Sir Celestine Omehia as a former governor of the State,” the statement read in part.
