By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has declared the positions of the 25 legislators who switched political parties from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as vacant until a lawsuit is resolved. The court also ruled that Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule should not claim the position of Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and prohibited the 24 legislators, who are aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, from acting as lawmakers in the state.
The order was issued by Honorable Justice Charles Wali in Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024, filed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, regarding the turmoil within the state’s legislative branch.
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 Wami Solomon.
Additionally, the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, are also defendants in the case.
In the Interlocutory Order, Wali directed that the lawmakers who support Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, should refrain from acting as legislators until the main case is resolved.
The order stated, “An Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from holding themselves out as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and conducting legislative business at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters on Aba Road in Port Harcourt or any other location until the substantive case is heard. An Interlocutory Injunction is also issued restraining the 26th to 28th Defendants from engaging with the 1st to 25th Defendants in their capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as their legislative seats have been declared vacant since December 13, 2023, until the substantive case is resolved.
“This case is adjourned to July 1, 2024, for Mention.”
