A Federal High Court located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria has issued a court order prohibiting the Rivers State government, led by Governor Nyesom Wike, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from harassing and detaining members of the Atiku Campaign Council in the state. The order was granted by Justice A.T Ibrahim after a motion was filed by the leaders of the Rivers State Atiku/Okowa Campaign Council.

The spokesperson of the council, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, stated that Atiku Abubakar’s supporters are now protected by the court order after some of them were charged and brought before a Magistrate Court. Over 20 individuals were reportedly remanded in prison and the case has been adjourned until March 22nd for a hearing of their bail application.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include former National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus, Chairman of the Council Senator Lee Maeba, former Transportation Minister and Director General of the Council Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Senator Thompson George Sekibo, and Celestine Omehia. Other individuals include former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Austin Opara, member of the House of Representatives Chinyere Igwe, former Commissioner for Water Resources Tamuno Sisi Gogo Jaja, and the spokesman of the council, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa.

Justice Ibrahim has ordered the government and other respondents to maintain the status quo until the lawsuit has been determined.

It should be noted that Nwibubasa recently accused Governor Wike of using security forces to arrest 35 supporters of Atiku during a meeting in Port Harcourt.