JUST IN: High Court Orders Former Rivers State Assembly Members to Cease Parading as Lawmakers

A Rivers State High Court has issued an interlocutory order restraining 25 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from presenting themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Justice C. N. Wali granted the order after considering a motion filed by a team of lawyers led by Sammie A. Somiari, SAN, representing the interests of the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, along with Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy. The lawmakers in question switched their party allegiance in December 2023.

The court’s ruling, delivered on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, read in part: “An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the 1 to 25th Defendants from parading and 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 Off 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.”

Additionally, the order prevents the 26th to 28th Defendants from interacting with the defecting lawmakers in any official legislative capacity. The case has been adjourned to July 1, 2024, for further mention.

The affected lawmakers include 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. Nobar Bernard, Hon. John Dominic Iderima, 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 Nwakon, Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe, Hon. Davids Arnold Okobiriari, Hon. Nwankwo Sylvanus, Hon. Gerald Oforji, and Hon. Wame Solomon.

The ruling comes amid significant controversy surrounding the defecting lawmakers, who have been involved in high-profile political maneuvers, including an attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, emphasized the necessity for the lawmakers to comply with the court’s directive, suggesting they either appeal for a judicial review or seek a renewed mandate from their constituents.