A coalition of opposition lawmakers has warned the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly against issuing directives to Governor Siminalayi Fubara while their defection case remains unresolved.
The warning follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that allowed the Amaewhule-led lawmakers to resume legislative duties.
However, opposition lawmakers insist that the legitimacy of their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is still under judicial scrutiny.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere criticized the faction for attempting to exert authority despite ongoing legal proceedings.
He specifically condemned their recent 48-hour ultimatum for Governor Fubara to sign the 2025 budget, calling it a desperate move to assert legitimacy.
“It is absurd that individuals whose defection remains a subject of litigation are attempting to direct a sitting governor on budgetary matters,” Ugochinyere said.
“The case challenging their illegal decampment is still before the Appeal Court, and it is concerning that the Supreme Court would grant them legitimacy while this fundamental issue is unresolved.”
He reiterated that the 27 lawmakers who defected to the APC had lost their seats by violating constitutional provisions and should refrain from interfering in the state’s governance.
“The pro-Wike group should understand that their defection renders them ineligible to function as lawmakers,” he added.
