Go defend your N96bn alleged fraud, Supreme Court tells Amaechi

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Rivers State Government has the powers the probe former Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The Supreme Court in its judgement on Friday ordered Amaechi to appear before the probe panel set up by the state government to probe his eight-year tenure in office.

The Rivers State Government led by incumbent Nyesom Wike had accused Amaechi of commiting fraud amounting to N96 billion.

The former Minister of Transportation was also accused of fraudulently selling some of the state’s valued assets. The governor thereafter set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the matter.

Amaechi however approached the court, asking for an order to prohibit his successor from investigating his eight-year tenure as governor.

In his lead judgement, Justice Adamu Jauro, affirmed the ruling of the Court of Appeal and the High Court.

He ruled held that the suit lacked merit, ought to be dismissed and was subsequently dismissed.

The apex court also slammed a N1 million fine against Amaechi.

The Commission of Inquiry inaugurated by governor Nyesom Wike is to look into the lawful or otherwise of the alleged sale of valuable assets of the State.

The listed valuable assets are Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel and the award of contract for the execution of Mono Rail Project.

Amaechi is a presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress.