The Rivers State lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Monday paid a solidarity visit to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, reaffirming their unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.
The visit followed a press conference held by some Rivers State National Assembly members who pledged support for former Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and his group, referred to as the “Committee of Former Lawmakers.”
Led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante of the Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, the Rivers State NASS Caucus dismissed claims that the judgment of Justice James Omotosho reinstated Amaewhule and his 26 colleagues.
The lawmakers maintained that, “Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 26 others lost their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly following their voluntary defection on December 11, 2023. Their cross-carpeting happened on the floor of the House in full public view.”
Hon. Abiante cited multiple Supreme Court rulings, emphasizing that Section 109(1)(g) and Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution make it clear that:
“Any elected lawmaker who defects from the political party under which they were elected automatically loses their seat.”
He added that since the Supreme Court’s rulings on similar cases have not been overturned, they remain the legal precedent in Nigeria.
Hon. Abiante further explained: “As of December 11, 2023, when Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and his 26 colleagues publicly declared their defection, they ceased to be members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
He stressed that their continued parading as lawmakers and participation in Assembly activities is illegal and unconstitutional.
The lawmakers rejected claims that the Federal High Court judgment of January 22, 2024, delivered by Justice Omotosho, validated Amaewhule’s group.
“That ruling did not address their defection or their status as former lawmakers. Instead of presenting the truth before the court, Hon. Amaewhule and his group misled the judiciary with false claims,” Abiante stated.
Addressing concerns about the Assembly’s ability to function without the 27 defected members, Abiante referenced a Supreme Court ruling by Justice Walter Onnoghen regarding a similar situation in Plateau State.
“Until the vacancies created by the defecting members are filled through by-elections, the Rivers State House of Assembly can only carry out legislative duties that do not require a two-thirds majority, which excludes impeachment proceedings.”
Responding, Speaker Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo expressed gratitude for the support of the NASS Caucus, reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to serving the people of Rivers State.
“Thank you for standing in solidarity with the Rivers State House of Assembly. Your visit has rekindled our hope. The former 27 lawmakers are gone. We have too much at stake to abandon the ship. The Governor is focused on delivering good governance to our people.”
The solidarity visit was attended by:
– Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency)
– Rep. Boma Goodhead (Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru Federal Constituency)
– Rep. Boniface Emerengwa (Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency)
– Rep. Anderson Allison Igbiks (Okrika/Ogu-Bolo Federal Constituency)
– Rep. Manuchim Umezurike (Port Harcourt Federal Constituency)
The Caucus reaffirmed their full support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and urged the Rivers people to disregard any false narratives from the former lawmakers.
