Court to Rule on Suit Against Defecting Rivers Lawmakers January 21

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has fixed January 21, 2025, to deliver its ruling on a suit filed by Labour Party candidates and pro-Fubara lawmakers against the Rivers State House of Assembly and 27 lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule.

The pro-Fubara lawmakers, including Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, and Adolphus Timothy, are challenging the alleged defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The plaintiffs are seeking the court’s interpretation of the lawmakers’ actions, arguing that they should vacate their seats to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, all parties confirmed the exchange of pleadings and evidence before presenting arguments on preliminary legal points.

Presiding Judge Emmanuel Obele subsequently adjourned proceedings to rule on the preliminary issues raised.

Speaking to journalists, Cliford Chukwu, counsel for the Labour Party, maintained that the defecting lawmakers’ seats should be declared vacant.

Conversely, Emeka Onyeka, counsel to the 27 lawmakers, explained that the court would address preliminary issues before proceeding to the substantive case.

During the hearing, a video allegedly showing the defection of Amaewhule and other lawmakers was presented and admitted as evidence.

The Amaewhule-led lawmakers, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced their defection from the PDP to the APC during plenary.

Their defection followed a political rift between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.