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. This decision is pending the determination of an ongoing suit.
In a significant ruling, Hon. Justice Charles Wali ordered Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule to cease parading as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Additionally, the court barred 24 lawmakers, who oppose Governor Siminalayi Fubara, from posing as legitimate lawmakers within the state.
The order was issued in response to Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024, filed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy.
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The suit addresses the ongoing crisis within the legislative arm of the state government.
The 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, and Hon. Wami Solomon.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, are also named as defendants in the suit.
In the interlocutory order, Justice Wali emphasized that the lawmakers aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, should not parade as legislators until the substantive case is resolved.
The court’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.”
Furthermore, the order prohibits the 26th to 28th Defendants from interacting with or accepting any legislative actions from the 1st to 25th Defendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This injunction is effective from December 13, 2023, until the substantive suit is heard and determined.
The case has been adjourned to July 1, 2024, for mention.
