Rivers High Court bars 25 PDP-APC defectees from House of Assembly

The Rivers State High Court on Friday issued an order restraining 25 members of the House of Assembly, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress from posing as members of the Assembly.

Amidst the political crisis in the State, Hon. Justice Charles N. Wali ordered that an interim injunction be granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding themselves out as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The defendants 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. Ngbar Bernard, and Hon. John Dominic Iderima.

Also, Hon. Queen Uwuwa 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 Nwakoh, Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe, Hon. Davids Arnold Okobiriari, Hon. Nwankwo Sylvanus, Hon. Gerald Oforji, and Hon. Wami Solomon.

All are barred from meeting or sitting at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters, Aba Road, Port Harcourt, and their legislative seats have been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

Furthermore, the Judge ordered that the governor of the state, Sim Fubara, the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General, and the Chief Judge of Rivers State, who are also defendants, must refrain from dealing with, interfacing with, or accepting any resolutions, bills, or interactions with the 1st to 25th defendants.

The Judge further ordered that the court ruling be served to all the defendants within seven (7) days from the ruling date.

Meanwhile, the case is adjourned to the 29th of May, 2024, for Motion on Notice.

Rivers State High Court Order

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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