A Rivers State based activist, Onengiya Erekosima has approached the Federal High Court Abuja over allegation of threat to life and rights violation by the former Rivers State Governor, and current Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Erekosima who is the Founder and President of Foundation for Peace and Non-violence in Nigeria also sued the Inspector General of Police, who is the second respondent in the matter.
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In the suit, filed by Samuel Nwosu on his behalf, the activist asked the court to compel Amaechi and IGP to pay him the sum of N200M as compensation for the harassment and intimidation he suffered in the hands of the defendants over the years.
The activist also prayed for a declaration that Amaechi’s declaration, describing and tagging him as a terrorist without recourse to any due process of law, infringed upon his fundamental rights.
Among other reliefs, the applicant seeks an order of injunction restraining the respondents, their servants from further harassing him in any manner howsoever.
In the court process, Erekosima averred he used his NGO to broker peace and reconciliation in Niger Delta which he said was displeasing to the then Governor Amaechi.
When the matter came up on Monday, the applicant’s Counsel, Nwosu said the fundamental rights enforcement suit was ripe for hearing, but Amaechi’s lawyer, Bolaji Oyun pleaded with the court for time to put his house in order and to regularize his counter affidavit.
Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the matter to March 9, for hearing.
(Editor: Omor Bazuaye)
