Justice Daketima Kio of the Rivers State High Court has ruled that judicially removed Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia cannot be held responsible for the payment of millions of naira in pension benefits by the state government.
The judgment came in response to Omehia’s lawsuit against the Rivers State Governor, Attorney General, Speaker, and State House of Assembly, contesting the government’s directive to refund over N696 million paid to him as pension until his derecognition.
The court stated that Omehia cannot be blamed for the defendants’ mistakes and clarified that he never officially served as governor of Rivers State under the proper interpretation of the pension law for governors and deputy governors.
It emphasized that the state’s pension law prohibits him from benefiting from the pension scheme.
Justice Kio highlighted that Omehia never sought recognition from the state government or the House of Assembly, therefore, cannot legitimately claim the funds paid to him erroneously.
The court upheld the Supreme Court’s characterization of Omehia as an imposter, denying him the status of a former governor or entitlement to benefits under the pension law.
The court did not award costs to any party, directing each to bear its costs.
Counsel for the Rivers State Government and House of Assembly, Success Gibert, expressed satisfaction with the judgment favoring his clients but refrained from commenting on the repayment ruling, indicating that the government will address it accordingly.
Omehia’s counsel also declined to comment on the judgment.
