Rivers Assembly to Invoke Penalties Against Amaewhule-Led 25 Lawmakers for Criminal Impersonation

The Rivers State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its decision to declare the legislative seats of former Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule and 24 other members vacant following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The House insists that these vacant seats must be filled through by-elections to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During a plenary session held at the temporary Hallowed Chamber in the Government House, Port Harcourt, the Assembly also commenced proceedings to invoke constitutional provisions against the former members for what it described as criminal impersonation.

Additionally, the House approved Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s request for the appointment of five special advisers. This approval followed a formal letter from the Governor and a discussion highlighting the significance of these appointments for the state’s development.

Background of Defections and Seat Vacancies

Speaking at the plenary, the current Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, provided a detailed account of the events leading to the seat vacancies. According to him, on December 11, 2023, former Speaker Martin Amaewhule and 24 other members defected from the PDP to the APC during the 87th legislative sitting of the House.

Citing the Nigerian Constitution, Oko-Jumbo explained that, by virtue of Section 109(1)(g) and (2), which are self-executing, the seats of the defected members were declared vacant on December 13, 2023, by then-Speaker Rt. Hon. Edison Ogerenye Ehie. Ehie’s declaration followed a court order granted by Hon. Justice Danagogo in Suit No. PHC/3030/CS/2023, and was in line with Section 109(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

Oko-Jumbo expressed astonishment at reports of an “illegal sitting” allegedly held by the 25 former members, led by Amaewhule. He stated that such actions were illegitimate and warned that there cannot be two Houses of Assembly in Rivers State, or in any state across Nigeria.

“The public should disregard these misguided former members,” Oko-Jumbo said, reiterating that Amaewhule and his group are no longer recognized as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He called on INEC to expedite the conduct of by-elections to fill the vacant seats and urged the public to ignore the unlawful actions of the former lawmakers.

Invoking Penalties for Criminal Impersonation

In a significant move during the plenary, the Leader of the House, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, introduced a motion to invoke Section 99 of the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The motion aims to address the ongoing criminal impersonation by the 25 former members and to ensure that they face legal consequences for their actions.

The House, in its resolution, emphasized its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability. The session was subsequently adjourned to Monday, October 21, 2024.