A recent ruling by a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has declared that the 27 lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhuke in the Rivers State House of Assembly are still members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The court dismissed a suit seeking to declare their seats vacant due to alleged defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ruling emphasized that proof of defection must be established through party membership registers and cards, not through media publications. The conflict arose during the crisis between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and ex-governor Nyesom Wike, leading to a factionalized Assembly and attempted impeachment.
The judgment reaffirms Amaewhuke as the Speaker and upholds the legitimacy of passed laws. However, the State Attorney General, Dagogo Iboroma, disputed the ruling, citing jurisdictional issues and ongoing legal proceedings.
The public is urged to await further legal developments amidst the political turmoil in Rivers State.