A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has declared the seats of 25 lawmakers, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), vacant. The court’s decision, pending the determination of a suit, has also prohibited the affected lawmakers from functioning in their official capacities.
The ruling by Hon. Justice Charles Wali in Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024 was brought forward by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, who challenged the legislative crisis in the state.
The court ordered Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule to cease parading as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with the 24 other lawmakers who have been barred from posing as members of the Assembly. This action is targeted at lawmakers who are aligned against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and are seen as supporters of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The specific defendants in the case include:
- Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule
- Hon. Dumle Maol
- Hon. Major Jack
- Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi
- Hon. Christopher Kagbang Ofiks
- Hon. Azeru Opara
- Hon. Enemi Alabo George
- Hon. Granville Tekenari Wellington
- Hon. Ngbar Bernard
- Hon. John Dominic Iderima
- Hon. Queen Uwuma Tony Williams
- Hon. Loolo Isaiah Opuende
- Hon. Abbey Peter
- Hon. Igwe-Obey Aforji
- Hon. Justina Emeji
- Hon. Ignatius Onwuka
- Hon. Chimezie Nwankwo
- Hon. Lemchi Prince Nyeche
- Hon. Barile Nwakoh
- Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi
- Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe
- Hon. Davids Arnold Okobiriari
- Hon. Nwankwo Sylvanus
- Hon. Gerald Oforji
- Wami Solomon
Additionally, the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, are included as defendants in the suit.
The court’s interlocutory order restrains the 25 lawmakers from conducting any legislative business or holding sessions at the House of Assembly Quarters or any other location, effectively rendering their positions vacant until the substantive suit is resolved.
Justice Wali’s order stated: “An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and/or meeting/sitting at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at Aba Road, Port Harcourt, or at any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”
The case has been adjourned to July 1, 2024, for further mention, setting the stage for continued legal and political drama in Rivers State.
This ruling is a significant development in the political landscape of Rivers State, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in addressing legislative disputes and ensuring adherence to political party affiliations and legislative protocols.
