Court Declares 25 Lawmakers Seats Vacant Amidst Political Crisis in Rivers

In a significant development amidst ongoing political turmoil, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has declared the seats of 25 lawmakers vacant following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This decision was handed down by Hon. Justice Charles Wali in Suit No. PHC/1512/CS/2024, amidst a lawsuit initiated 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.

The court’s ruling specifically impacts 24 lawmakers who are opponents of the state’s governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and bars them from impersonating legislators in the state. Additionally, it orders Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule to cease parading as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Defendants in the Case:

• Martin Chike Amaewhule
• Dumle Maol
• Major Jack
• Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi
• Christopher Kagbang Ofiks
• Azeru Opara
• Enemi Alabo George
• Granville Tekenari Wellington
• Ngbar Bernard
• John Dominic Iderima
• Queen Uwuma Tony Williams
• Igwe-obey Aforji
• Abbey Peter
• Loolo Isaiah Opuende
• Barile Nwakoh
• Emilia Lucky Amadi
• Nkemjika Ezekwe
• Davids Arnold Okobiriari
• Nwankwo Sylvanus
• Justina Emeji
• Ignatius Onwuka
• Chimezie Nwankwo
• Lemchi Prince Nyeche
• Gerald Oforji
• Wami Solomon

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Honorable Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, are also named as defendants in the lawsuit.

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Court’s Directives:

Justice Wali, in his interlocutory order, directed that the lawmakers, who are supporters of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, must refrain from acting in their official capacities until the substantive case is resolved. The court ordered:

1. Restraint on Legislative Activities: The 25 defendants are restrained from meeting or sitting at the House of Assembly Quarters Auditorium located at Aba Road, or from presenting themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
2. Vacancy of Legislative Seats: The legislative seats of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been declared vacant pending the hearing and resolution of the substantive suit. This prevents the lawmakers from conducting legislative business in Port Harcourt or any other location.
3. Interaction Prohibited: An interlocutory injunction prohibits the lawmakers from interacting in any way with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Chief Judge of Rivers State in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Their legislative seats are declared vacant as of December 13, 2023, and they are barred from acting as legislators until the case is decided.

The court has scheduled the case for mention on July 1, 2024, indicating a continued legal battle over the political control and representation within the Rivers State House of Assembly.