Supreme Court Set to Rule on Appeals Over Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection
The Supreme Court is poised to deliver a significant ruling on the ongoing legal battle concerning the defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Following extensive hearings on the matter, the Court has reserved its judgment, with the date of delivery yet to be communicated to the parties involved.
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The case, which has sparked considerable political controversy, centers on the alleged defection of the lawmakers, including Martin Amaewhule, who is currently serving as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The group of 27 lawmakers is said to have defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to challenges regarding the legality of their actions and Amaewhule’s continued tenure as Speaker.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has also raised legal questions about the validity of Amaewhule’s position, as well as the broader constitutional implications of the defections. The matter has further escalated as the Governor previously filed an appeal challenging the legality of the 2024 budget presentation in the Assembly, led by Amaewhule.
In a related development, the Supreme Court, under the leadership of Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, recently dismissed an appeal filed by Governor Fubara. The Governor had contested the legitimacy of re-presenting the 2024 state budget to the House under Amaewhule’s leadership. However, Fubara’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali, withdrew the suit, acknowledging that it had become irrelevant following the developments in the case.
The legal outcome of the appeals is expected to have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Rivers State, particularly with regard to the power dynamics within the State Assembly and the future of the involved lawmakers. The public awaits the Court’s decision with keen interest as the legal drama unfolds.
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Supreme Court Set to Rule on Appeals Over Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection