25 Rivers Lawmakers Not Properly Advised; They Have Lost Their Seats, Says Falana

In a recent development concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has emphasized the legal repercussions faced by the 25 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Falana highlighted that these lawmakers, who had threatened to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, were not properly advised about the legal ramifications of their actions.

Speaking on Channels TV, Falana underscored the significance of a recent court order issued by the High Court in Port Harcourt, which restrains the 25 lawmakers from parading themselves as legislators. He emphasized that this court order is in accordance with the constitutional provisions regarding defection from a political party after being sponsored by that party to win an election.

Falana stressed that the lawmakers must either seek a review of the case or return to their constituents for a renewed mandate. He explained that unless they can demonstrate a division within the party that sponsored their election, they cannot retain their seats after defecting to another party.

Citing the Supreme Court’s precedent in the case of Adegbule vs Labour Party, Falana reiterated that lawmakers cannot unilaterally claim a party division without substantial evidence. He emphasized the need for adherence to the legal framework to prevent what he termed “political prostitution” among legislators.

In conclusion, Falana highlighted the importance of upholding the court order, which prohibits the 25 lawmakers from functioning as legislators. He expressed hope that those affected would respect the law or pursue avenues for legal recourse, such as seeking a review or returning to the electorate for a fresh mandate.