The Labour Party has reaffirmed its commitment to proving that the 27 lawmakers in Rivers State, who declared their defection in December last year, effectively vacated their legislative seats as a result. The LP is among the parties seeking a judicial declaration on the validity of the lawmakers’ seats.
On December 11, 2023, the lawmakers—led by Martin Amaewhule—announced their departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to reports, there was no internal turmoil inside the PDP, which is sometimes necessary to support such actions.
One of the parties requesting a court ruling about the legitimacy of the legislators’ seats is the Labour Party.
Clifford Chukwu, the attorney for the Labour Party, said the party had strong evidence to support its position during a hearing before Justice Emmanuel Obele of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
A video footage of Amaewhule announcing the defections on behalf of himself and the other 26 parliamentarians is one piece of proof.
Chukwu clarified that although the court had given permission to use the video as evidence, Justice Obele chose to handle preliminary applications prior to moving on to the main subject during Wednesday’s resumed hearing.
The video footage is anticipated to be presented in court on January 21, 2025, the date the case was postponed.
A judge named Justice Emmanuel Obele considered two cases on the same topic, including the Labour Party case.
The second case was by the Speaker of the Pro-Fubara Lawmakers, Victor Oko-Jumbo and his two colleagues, Sokari Goodboy and Adolphus Timothy.
Oko-Jumbo and his colleagues are urging the court to declare that the 27 lawmakers are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, citing Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, among other related demands.
After considering in affirmation the application for joinder by the PDP and the APC, the judge, Justice Emmanuel Obele adjourned to December 10, 2024, for adoption of processes which may lead to reservation of judgement.
However, The Rivers State House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo recently restated its resolve that the legislative seats of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others remain vacant following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 11, 2023.
Additionally, the Assembly stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must hold a bye-election to fill the seats.
In a statement, the group’s speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, claimed that on December 13, 2023, the then legitimately recognized Speaker Edison Ehie declared the 25 Legislative seats vacant.
He apologised for the delay in holding bye-elections to fill the seats, stating that “unnecessary distractions from Amaewhule and his committee of friends” have been made possible by INEC’s incapacity to take the necessary measures since December 13, 2023.
