EFCC operatives

Okafor Ofiebor /Port Harcourt

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has slammed a N600 million in exemplary damages on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for investigating and subsequently declaring two officials of the Rivers state government wanted.

Justice George Omereji in a fundamental human rights matter brought by the Accountant General of Rivers state, Frederick Abere and a retired Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local government Affairs, Lekia Bukpo, restated that the EFCC has no right to investigate the State government or its officials.

Justice Omereji said he is embarrassed by the actions of the anti-graft agency,  which, according to him failed to appeal the judgments against it, but resorted to self-help by inviting the officials.

He added that the EFCC should first vacate the subsisting order made by Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court before taking any action on financial ccounts of the State government.

Justice George Omereji also said the Letters of invitation of the EFCC to the officials are in disobedience of the court order and malicious as only the Rivers state House of Assembly has the right to investigate the financial activities of the State government.

The court however declared that N300million each be paid by EFCC to Federick Abere and Lekia Biokpo as exemplary damages.

Speaking with journalists, counsel to the two officials of Rivers State government, Dike Udenna said verdict of the court addresses actions of Federal agencies who take the judiciary for granted.

In his reaction, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah said the Court has spoken to teach a lesson that the democracy is anchored on the rule of law and that law enforcement should be done within the ambits of the law.