A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Kip, is set to deliver a judgment regarding the legal recognition of Celestine Omehia as a former governor of Rivers State.
Following the expiration of Peter Odili’s tenure, Omehia assumed office and was sworn in as governor on May 29, 2007.

However, his candidacy was challenged by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, leading to a protracted legal battle over the validity of the primaries that brought Omehia to power.

Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of Amaechi, affirming him as the validly elected candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Despite this ruling, during Nyesom Wike’s tenure as governor, the House of Assembly enacted a law recognizing Omehia’s governorship.

In a surprising turn of events in 2023, Wike revoked the recognition previously accorded to Omehia and demanded the refund of all pensions earned during his tenure.

In response, Omehia sought legal recourse, petitioning the court to uphold his status as a former governor of the state.

Currently, all involved parties are engaged in legal proceedings, awaiting the imminent judgment that will determine whether Omehia will be officially recognized as a former governor of Rivers State.