₦airaland Forum

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has reserved April 16, 2025, for its ruling on an application concerning the potential dismissal of a defection case filed by the Labour Party against 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly

The Labour Party seeks to have the seats of these lawmakers, who allegedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declared vacant.

During the proceedings, counsel for the defendants, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, urged the court to strike out the matter, referencing a recent Supreme Court judgment.

Presenting the Certified True Copy of the verdict, he noted that the Supreme Court had restored the Amaewhule-led leadership of the Assembly, adding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who initially raised allegations of defection, had withdrawn these claims at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In his submission, counsel for the Labour Party, Clifford Chukwu, noted that the deflection was a “collateral matter” before the Supreme Court, and urged the court not to answer prayer to strike out the matter going by evidence already before it on the defection.

It can be recalled that on February 29, the Apex court held that, in the absence of substantiated evidence, no defection had legally occurred, thereby maintaining the status quo within the Assembly.

Speaking to Channels Television shortly after the court proceedings, Chukwu, stated that he had presented his submission and that only the ruling on April 16 would determine whether the submissions by the defendants’ counsel are upheld.

Great judgment next month

PDP Northern Minority Consultative Forum Blasts Wike Over Alleged Sinister Agenda to Impeach Governor and Deputy

By: Joy Musa

The PDP Northern Minority Consultative Forum has sharply condemned the ongoing political maneuvers in Rivers State, specifically the alleged plot to not only impeach Governor Nyesom Wike but also remove his Deputy, a move they describe as a "sinister agenda" aimed at installing a political figure from Obio/Akpor, Wike's constituency, as Governor by proxy.

The forum expressed outrage over what it called a "blatant disregard for democratic principles" and an attempt to manipulate the political landscape for personal and partisan gain, rather than working in the interest of the people of Rivers State.

According to a statement from the forum, the recent moves to impeach both the Governor and his Deputy have been driven by political figures seeking to further entrench their own hold on power. Rather than acting out of concern for the well-being of Rivers State, the statement alleges that the real goal is to install yet another leader from Wike's constituency, thus ensuring that control of the state remains within a narrow political circle.

"This is not about the good of Rivers State or its people," the statement read. "This is a politically motivated scheme aimed at consolidating power in the hands of a select few. The goal is to remove the Governor and Deputy Governor in order to install a proxy leader from Obio/Akpor, continuing the control of the state by a select clique, irrespective of the people’s choice."

The forum further accused the political actors behind the impeachment plot of undermining democratic institutions and process, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for political stability in the state. The group argued that, while the law allows for the impeachment of elected officials, it should never be used as a tool for settling political scores or advancing personal interests.

"Rivers State deserves leaders who are committed to its progress, not those who seek power at all costs. The people of Rivers State must be allowed to decide who governs them, not a few individuals who believe that the political landscape is their playground," the forum emphasized.

In a direct response to these political developments, the PDP Northern Minority Consultative Forum called on party members, civil society organizations, and the electorate to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to subvert the democratic process in Rivers State.

"Let us make it clear: this sinister agenda is dead on arrival. The people of Rivers State will not allow this political subterfuge to succeed. The rule of law, respect for democratic norms, and the will of the people must be upheld at all costs."

As political tension continues to mount in the state, all eyes remain on the unfolding drama, with hopes that the legal process and the will of the people will ultimately prevail over any attempts at manipulation and self-serving agendas.

Seems the FHC will dance to the tune of the SC

Nigeria my country

Agbegbaorogboye:
Seems the FHC will dance to the tune of the SC

And what's the tune of the SC, because the last time I checked, the SC didn't make a ruling regarding the defection of the lawmakers?

Bobloco:
And what's the tune of the SC, because the last time I checked, the SC didn't make a ruling regarding the defection of the lawmakers?

They made a pronouncement. Whether it's ruling or comment is what we can't say but I doubt this court will go against it

Bobloco:
And what's the tune of the SC, because the last time I checked, the SC didn't make a ruling regarding the defection of the lawmakers?

very true, you are right

Agbegbaorogboye:
They made a pronouncement. Whether it's ruling or comment is what we can't say but I doubt this court will go against it

The fact remains that the SC didn't make a ruling regarding the defection of the lawmakers

The case can go on.
The supreme court mess up because the actual substance in the case was not determined.
It has to determined the case on it's merit before making any pronouncement.

Who is bankrolling these court suits?

Rivers assembly’s actions against Fubara will disrupt governance, commissioner warns

Joseph Johnson, commissioner of information and communication in Rivers state, says the actions of the house of assembly against Siminalayi Fubara, the governor, could bring government operations to a standstill.

His comments follow the assembly’s decision on Monday to serve a notice of “gross misconduct” on Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The notice, which was signed by 26 lawmakers, is seen as the first step towards impeachment.

In a statement issued shortly after the notice was served, Johnson warned that the ongoing political crisis could have severe economic consequences for residents, particularly civil servants and retirees.

“It is glaringly clear that with the current actions of the House, the dire consequences and harsh realities that the civil servants, retirees and people of the state will face unimaginable economic hardships, as the government will be unable to pay salaries, pensions and other emoluments as well as perform other obligations at the end of the month, as both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation have been ordered to seize revenue allocations to the state until its judgment is fully implemented,” he said.

“The collateral damages of the actions of the legislative arm of government in Rivers will be so severe as non-release of warehoused revenues due the state from the Federation Account will ultimately ground the operation of all sectors of the government.”

Johnson said Fubara was willing to resubmit the 2025 budget and fully comply with the supreme court’s ruling to maintain peace in the state.

He urged the lawmakers to reconsider their actions, warning that continued tensions could lead to avoidable economic, social, and political crises for the people of Rivers state.

Bobloco:
The fact remains that the SC didn't make a ruling regarding the defection of the lawmakers

Fergie001 enlighten us
This man is saying something else

This is simple. High Court should declare their seats vacant. But in case they succeed at high court, PDP Rivers State should dismiss them for anti-party activities which will also declare their seats vacant.

I won't be expecting any contradictory judgement from what is currently playing out. The law is very clear about defection of assembly members.

workchopNG:
This is simple. High Court should declare their seats vacant. But in case they succeed at high court, PDP Rivers State should dismiss them for anti-party activities which will also declare their seats vacant.

In all of this, na PDP mess up big time.

Bobloco:
The fact remains that the SC didn't make a ruling regarding the defection of the lawmakers

the question you should ask urself did the law makers actually defected 🤣🤣🤣 with proof because with what I saw the never did so