A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has declared vacant the seats of the ex-Governor Nyesom Wike-backed 25 lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who reportedly defected to the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
It also ordered their leader, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, to stop parading himself as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Wike, current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has been engaged in hostilities with his erstwhile godson and current Governor Simi Fubara, a situation that has seen PDP and Rivers State torn between both men.
Fubara enjoys the support of seven honourable members in the 32-member Rivers State House of Assembly.
Giving the order in Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024, Justice Charles Wali ruled in favour of a suit filed by the Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, the pro-Governor Simi Fubara Speaker of the Rivers State House Of Assembly, as well as Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy.
In the Interlocutory Order, Justice Wali ordered that the lawmakers loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Wike, from parading as lawmakers until the determination of the substantive case.
Defendants in the cases are the factional pro-Wike Speaker Rt. Hon. 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.
Others are: 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.
A sighted copy of the judgement said:
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS:
- An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out 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 Off Aba Road, Port Harcourt or at any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
- An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is hereby made restraining the 26th to 28th Defendants from dealing with, interfacing, accepting any resolutions, bills and/or howsoever interacting with the 1st to 25th Defendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant with effect from 13th December, 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive Suit.
- That this case is adjourned to 1st July, 2024 for Mention.
