Martin Amaewhule
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 ruling is pending the determination of a suit brought against them.
Justice Charles Wali issued the order in response to Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024, filed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy. The plaintiffs sought the court’s intervention in the legislative crisis engulfing the state.
The court also ordered Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule to cease parading as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Additionally, it barred the 24 other lawmakers, who oppose Governor Siminalayi Fubara, from posing as legitimate lawmakers.
Justice Wali’s ruling 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 lawmakers affected by this ruling include 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 Wami Solomon.
The second set of defendants in the suit includes Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi.
Justice Wali emphasized the temporary nature of the order, “An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is hereby made restraining the 26th to 28th Defendants from dealing with, interfacing, accepting any resolutions, bills and/or howsoever interacting with the 1st to 25th Defendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly their legislative seats having been declared vacant with effect from 13th December 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”
The court has adjourned the case to July 1, 2024, for further mention. This development marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Rivers State, as the legal battle over the legislative seats continues to unfold.