A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued an order maintaining the vacancy of the 25 lawmakers’ seats, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), pending the outcome of a suit before it.
Additionally, the court has restrained Martin Amaewhule from parading as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, while barring the lawmakers, who are opposed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, from posing as lawmakers in the state.
The court’s decision effectively prevents them from exercising any legislative powers until the matter is resolved.
Justice Charles Wali gave the order in Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024, brought by Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko Jumbo, as well as Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, on the crises rocking the legislative arm of the state.
Defendants in the cases are Amaewhule, Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Azeru Opara, Enemi Alabo George, Granville Tekenari Wellington, Ngbar Bernard, John Dominic Iderima.
Others are Queen Uwuma Tony Williams, loolo Isaiah Opuende, Abbey Peter, Igwe-obey Aforji, Justina Emeji, Ignatius Onwuka, Chimezie Nwankwo, Lemchi Prince Nyeche, Barile Nwakoh, Emilia Lucky Amadi, Nkemjika Ezekwe, Davids Arnold Okobiriari, Nwankwo Sylvanus, Gerald Oforji, and Wami Solomon.
Fubara and the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, are the second set of defendants in the suit.
Wali, in the Interlocutory Order, maintained that the lawmakers, who are pro-Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), should stop parading themselves as lawmakers till the determination of the substantive case.
The order reads: “An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted, restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading 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 state Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
