Rivers court judgment on 27 defected lawmakers major victory for democracy — HURIWA

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Rivers State High Court’s decision to dismiss a suit seeking to compel Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resubmit the 2024 budget to 27 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

HURIWA, in a statement by Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, described the December 20, 2024, judgment as a significant victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s role in upholding the Constitution.

Justice Sika Aprioku ruled that the 27 lawmakers, by defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), automatically vacated their seats, as stipulated by Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The court further affirmed that Governor Fubara’s dealings with the remaining lawful members of the House were constitutional.

HURIWA praised the court’s clear stance that the Constitution is self-executing in cases of political defection, meaning that lawmakers who switch parties automatically lose their seats without requiring separate judicial action.

“This judgment is a shining example of the judiciary standing firmly on the side of constitutional purity,” HURIWA stated. “It sends a strong message that the Constitution is supreme and cannot be violated with impunity. Politicians who disregard its provisions must face the consequences.”

The association expressed approval of Justice Aprioku’s reliance on precedent from former Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration, during which legislative business continued with only six members.

“The judgment affirms that legislative and executive governance can proceed as long as it adheres to constitutional guidelines,” HURIWA added.

HURIWA called the ruling a landmark pro-democracy decision, emphasizing the judiciary’s critical role in upholding the rule of law. “This ruling is a wake-up call for all politicians who think they can manipulate the system,” the association stated.

The association called on other courts, including the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, to adopt a similar approach in their deliberations on the status of defected lawmakers. “It is inconceivable that individuals who flagrantly violate the Constitution by defecting to another party can expect to retain the rights and privileges of their former positions,” HURIWA remarked.

HURIWA argued that the ruling reinforces the principle that governance should be anchored on constitutional fidelity and respect for due process. The association urged Nigerian politicians to lead by example by upholding the rule of law rather than seeking to distort it for personal or political gain.

“Elected officials must recognise that their mandate is tied to the political platform on which they were elected,” HURIWA stated. “Defection without a legitimate cause, such as a division in the sponsoring party, is a direct affront to the electorate’s trust and the sanctity of the Constitution.”

While noting that the judgment has broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic development, HURIWA warned that allowing defected lawmakers to retain their seats would set a dangerous precedent, eroding public confidence in the electoral process and weakening the accountability of elected representatives.

“This ruling safeguards the principle that political mandates are tied to party platforms, ensuring that the electorate’s choices are respected,” HURIWA asserted. “It also deters the culture of opportunistic defection that undermines governance and democratic stability.”

As the matter progressed to the Higher courts, HURIWA urged the justices to view the case through the lens of constitutional purity and the need to uphold democratic principles. The association stressed that the judiciary must not waver in its duty to hold politicians accountable to the law.

“This is an opportunity for Nigeria’s highest courts to affirm the sanctity of the Constitution and reinforce the message that no one is above the law,” HURIWA stated. “We call on the appellate courts to uphold this judgment, ensuring that constitutional provisions are not only respected but also enforced to the letter.”

HURIWA concluded by urging Nigerian politicians to embrace a culture of respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. “The Rivers State High Court has set an example that must be replicated across the country,” the association said. “Nigerians deserve leaders who adhere to constitutional principles and work tirelessly to uphold democratic values. Anything less is unacceptable.”

The association also commended Governor Fubara for adhering to constitutional principles in his dealings with the Rivers State House of Assembly, urging him to remain steadfast in his commitment to governance guided by the rule of law.