The seats of 24 Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been declared vacant.
Justice Charles Wali of the Rivers State High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, issued the ruling in suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024.
The suit was brought by Victor Oko Jumbo, the current Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, alongside Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, amid the legislative crisis in the state.
The court also directed Martin Amaewhule to cease parading as the Speaker and barred the 24 lawmakers, who oppose Governor Siminalayi Fubara, from posing as members of the assembly.
The defendants include Martin Chike Amaewhule, Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Azeru Opara, Enemi Alabo George, Granville Tekenari Wellington, Ngbar Bernard, John Dominic Iderima, Queen Uwuma Tony Williams, Lloolo 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.
Governor Fubara and the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, are the second set of defendants in the suit.
Justice Wali granted the interlocutory order, preventing the pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers from parading themselves as assembly members until the substantive case is resolved.
The order reads, “An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the 1” to 25th Defendants from parading land 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 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 1at to 25th Descendants 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.”
