Joel Osaigbovo Aluge, Reporting
A court decision has declared 25 seats in the Rivers State Assembly vacant. This judgment likely stems from legal issues such as the lawmakers’ defection to other parties or failure to meet legislative requirements.
The implications of this ruling could significantly impact the state’s legislative operations and political dynamics. By-elections will likely be necessary to fill these vacancies and restore full functionality to the Assembly.
Further details would provide more insight into the specific reasons and legal basis for this decision.
The court, however, ordered the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, to stop parading as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and bared the 24 lawmakers, who are all Anti-Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of the state, from posing as lawmakers in the state.
Hon. Justice Charles Wali issued the order in Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024, filed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy.
The suit addresses the ongoing crises within the legislative arm of the state. As a result, 25 Assembly seats were declared vacant, and Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule was ordered to stop acting as Speaker. Additionally, 24 lawmakers who oppose Governor Siminalayi Fubara were barred from presenting themselves as legislators. This ruling aims to resolve the turmoil within the Assembly and reestablish legislative order.
Defendants in the cases are 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.
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.
The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honourable Chief Judge Of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, are the second set of defendants in the suit.
Hon. Justice Charles Wali, in an interlocutory order, declared 25 Assembly seats vacant and instructed Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule to stop acting as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Additionally, the court barred 24 lawmakers, who are pro-Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, from presenting themselves as legislators until the substantive case is resolved. This suit, filed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, along with Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, includes Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, as the second set of defendants. The ruling addresses the legislative crises in the state and aims to maintain order until a final decision is made.