Amaewhule, Others No Longer Lawmakers, Rivers NASS Caucus Insists

The Rivers State National Assembly Caucus has reaffirmed that former Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 26 others are no longer lawmakers, following their defection from the Rivers State House of Assembly on December 11, 2023. The caucus made this declaration during a solidarity visit to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, expressing unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

The visit followed a press conference by some Rivers State National Assembly members who backed Amaewhule and his group, referred to as the “Committee of Former Lawmakers.” However, the Rivers NASS Caucus, led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante of the Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, dismissed claims that a Federal High Court ruling by Justice James Omotosho reinstated Amaewhule and his colleagues.

Citing Sections 109(1)(g) and 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, Hon. Abiante emphasized that any lawmaker who defects from the political party under which they were elected automatically loses their seat. He noted that Supreme Court rulings on similar cases remain the binding legal precedent in Nigeria.

“As of December 11, 2023, when Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and his 26 colleagues publicly declared their defection, they ceased to be members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Abiante stated. He condemned their continued participation in Assembly activities as illegal and unconstitutional.

The lawmakers also refuted claims that Justice Omotosho’s ruling on January 22, 2024, validated Amaewhule’s group, asserting that the judgment did not address their defection or legislative status. Instead, Abiante accused Amaewhule and his group of misleading the judiciary with false claims.

Regarding the Assembly’s ability to function without the 27 defected members, Abiante referenced a Supreme Court ruling by Justice Walter Onnoghen in a similar Plateau State case. He clarified that the House could conduct legislative duties that do not require a two-thirds majority, such as regular lawmaking, but cannot proceed with impeachment matters until by-elections fill the vacant seats.

Speaker Oko-Jumbo expressed gratitude for the support of the NASS Caucus and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to serving the people of Rivers State. “The former 27 lawmakers are gone. We have too much at stake to abandon the ship. The Governor is focused on delivering good governance to our people,” he stated.

The solidarity visit was attended by several lawmakers, including Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency), Rep. Boma Goodhead (Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru Federal Constituency), Rep. Boniface Emerengwa (Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency), Rep. Anderson Allison Igbiks (Okrika/Ogu-Bolo Federal Constituency), and Rep. Manuchim Umezurike (Port Harcourt Federal Constituency).

The caucus reaffirmed their full support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and urged the people of Rivers State to disregard any misleading narratives from the former lawmakers.