Civil Society Organization Urges Police Chief to Prosecute 27 Rivers Lawmakers for Impersonation After APC Defection

The Center for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA), a civil society organization, has penned a letter to the Nigerian Inspector General of Police, urging the arrest and prosecution of 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The lawmakers, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, are accused of impersonation and conspiracy to take control of the Assembly.

The defection was officially announced during Monday’s plenary session, citing party division within the PDP as the catalyst for their move. The lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, had previously initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, though the attempt ultimately failed.

In the petition to the Inspector General of Police, signed by CFRPA’s legal adviser, Kalu Kalu Agu Esq., the organization demanded swift action. The petition outlined that the “former members” were allegedly still presenting themselves as active members of the House of Assembly, violating constitutional provisions and decided cases.

The organization asserted, “The said 27 former members, being ordinary citizens, and no longer entitled to sit in the hallowed chambers of the House of Assembly created by the 1999 Constitution are still holding deliberations as such members with the intent, by their decisions and conduct, to enter the chambers of the House and conduct proceedings with a view to passing resolutions on the affairs of the Government of Rivers State.”

The CFRPA’s letter to the police IG concluded with a stern warning, stating, “Take notice that if you fail to heed the demand herein made within twenty-four hours of the receipt of this letter, we shall take appropriate action to ensure that the 27 suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law. We do hope wise counsel will prevail.”