The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt delivered a significant blow to the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly by issuing an interlocutory injunction on Wednesday. This legal action prohibits the Assembly from conducting further sessions and representing themselves as members of the state legislature. The injunction was granted in response to a lawsuit filed by the faction of the Assembly loyal to Governor Siminilayi Fubara, highlighting the deep divisions within the political landscape of Rivers State.
The rift within the Rivers Assembly surfaced last October when the once-cordial relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, deteriorated. Amaewhule, commanding the support of 24 lawmakers, stands in allegiance with Wike, while Victor Oko-Jumbo emerged as the Speaker of the faction aligned with Fubara. This political discord has led to a series of defections and power struggles, further exacerbating the already tense situation.
The decision to switch allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party to the opposition All Progressives Congress by pro-Wike lawmakers triggered legal action from the PDP, seeking to declare their seats vacant. Consequently, the Rivers APC expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling, alleging judicial compromise and executive interference in the legal process.
In contrast, the Rivers State government welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as a validation of the rule of law. Joseph Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, emphasized the importance of adhering to legal pronouncements, stating, “The law has spoken, and once the law speaks, rascality must cease.” However, the Publicity Secretary of the Rivers APC, Chibuke Ikenga, condemned what he perceived as judicial overreach and questioned the integrity of the legal process.
