The Bukuma community has called on the Rivers government to continue to uphold the rule of law in handling state affairs, particularly as it concerns the Agum-Bukuma rulership dispute.

The paramount ruler of the Agum-Bukuma Kingdom, Precious Elekima, made this appeal in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Elekima disclosed that individuals opposed to his leadership were attempting to undermine a court judgement that affirmed his position as the rightful king of the Agum-Bukuma people.

He explained that the court had dismissed a case filed by the former king against him, clearing the path for his installation as the king.

“Justice Okogbule Gbasam dismissed the suit filed by HRH Stephen Tobins versus Chief Precious Elekima (as he was then) in suit number DHC/32/cs/2023 on October 11. The judgement paved the way for my installation as the King of Bukuma on October 12,” Mr Elekima revealed.

The traditional ruler noted that the former king, having failed to file a stay of execution or appeal within the stipulated 90 days, still did not accept the court’s ruling to ensure peace prevails.

“Rather than adopting a civil approach, he involved the police and some desperate politicians, who now act as though they are an appeal court.
“Instead of appealing the judgement, they have resorted to harassment, intimidation, and threats to my life,” Mr Elekima alleged.

He said the community had filed a case against the police in suit number PHC/3736/FHR/2024, naming him as the claimant and the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police in Rivers, and others as respondents.

Mr Elekima expressed disappointment at the alleged partisanship of the police in a civil matter that a competent court had already adjudicated.

He urged the state government to be wary of the antics of desperate individuals trying to circumvent constitutional provisions by avoiding legal avenues for appeal.

“The state government should continue to maintain the rule of law and resist undue persuasion that could lead to actions contrary to the nation’s constitution, especially regarding the Agum-Bukuma Kingship. They must avoid obstructing justice or overstepping judicial authority by wielding executive power,” Mr Elekima cautioned.

The paramount ruler further urged the state government to adhere strictly to the principle of separation of powers as enshrined in the nation’s constitution, ensuring that the judiciary’s ruling remained unimpeded.

(NAN)