In a surprising turn of events, an Appeal Court in Port Harcourt has granted an ex parte order to 10 representatives from Rivers State senatorial districts, spearheaded by Anabs Sara-Igbe. The move aims to serve court documents to factional Speaker Martins Amaewhule and lawmakers who switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) through unconventional means.
The three-member appellate court, led by Justice Oluwayamisi Williams-Dawodu, also greenlit an expedited hearing for the lawsuit filed by Sara-Igbe and nine others, acting on behalf of the people of Rivers State. The lawsuit delves into the constitutional intricacies surrounding the ongoing political deadlock and its alignment with the Nigerian Constitution.
Among the pressing matters under scrutiny is the validity of instructions for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget to 24 lawmakers, including those whose seats were declared vacant post-defection. Furthermore, questions arise regarding the re-submission of nine commissioners who previously resigned voluntarily.
Noteworthy was the court’s directive to notify Amaewhule and the 24 lawmakers either via WhatsApp or by physically affixing the court documents to the wall of Amaewhule’s residence. The case has been adjourned until April 8, 2024, marking the initiation of what promises to be a critical legal battle.
Outside the courtroom, Sara-Igbe affirmed their quest for justice, underscoring its pivotal role in fostering transparency and good governance within Rivers State.
This legal saga unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous political landscape in Rivers State, triggered by an explosion at the State House of Assembly Complex on October 29, 2023. Subsequently, the Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, citing abuse of power and misconduct, only to face disruptions from the governor’s supporters.
The ensuing rift split the State Assembly into factions, one aligning with Governor Fubara and the other with former Governor Nyesom Wike, now serving as the FCT Minister. Intervening in the escalating tensions, President Bola Tinubu brokered an agreement between the warring factions in December 2023. However, the aftermath of the accord spawned discontent among various stakeholders, leading to a series of legal battles.
The fallout from the agreement signed in Abuja continues to reverberate in Rivers State, raising concerns about the perceived favoritism towards the FCT Minister. As the legal showdown gathers momentum, all eyes are on the upcoming proceedings, poised to shape the future of the embattled region.
