A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has ruled that the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, remain members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The decision, delivered on Monday by Justice Okogbule Gbasam, struck out a suit filed by Wosa Amadi and three others, which sought to declare the lawmakers’ seats vacant following their alleged defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December.
Justice Gbasam, in his judgement, held that Martin Amaewhule and the other lawmakers had not defected to the APC, as the claimants failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims.
“The claimants failed to prove to the court that the 27 lawmakers truly defected to the APC,” he stated.
The judge further clarified that such a defection could not be established through newspaper publications, radio announcements, or online reports.
“The said defection cannot be established through Newspaper publications, Radio announcements or online publications,” Justice Gbasam said.Politics
He emphasized that a defection can only be verified through the party membership register, a membership card, and fulfillment of all requirements for membership in the new party.
“A defection can only be established through the party membership register, a membership card, and such members fulfilling all requirements of their membership in the party,” he added.
The ruling has significant implications for the political landscape in Rivers State, as it reaffirms the PDP’s control over the state’s legislative assembly.
The decision is expected to stabilize the current political dynamics and prevent the disruption that would have occurred if the seats had been declared vacant.
The case had generated considerable interest and tension within the state, with many awaiting the court’s decision on the lawmakers’ status.
