Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) wants the Federal High Court, Abuja to determine whether the 1999 Nigerian Constitution permits the 26 Rivers State legislators to veto the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The 26 members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly that defected from PDP to APC and their constituencies are John Dominic Iderima of Abua/Odual; Mrs Queen Williams of Ahoada East one; Sokari Goodboy Sokari of Ahoada West; Asuah Mensah Jack of Akuku-Toru one; Lolo Isaiah Opuende of Akuku-Toru two and among others.
The plaintiff’s counsel, Aliyu Lemu (SAN) in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/13/2024, argued that the 26 legislators did not meet the quorum of two-thirds considering that they had previously defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Therefore, the said 26 members did not constitute the quorum as required by the 1999 Constitution to veto Governor Fubara’s refusal to assent to four Bills,” he argued.
Amongst other reliefs being sought, Lemu wants the court to determine whether the 1999 Constitution still recognises the said 26 legislators who defected from PDP to APC as valid members of the Assembly.
The lawsuit is scheduled for March 13, 2024 at the Federal High Court, Abuja before Hon. Justice Omotosho.
