The political crisis in Rivers State continues as five federal lawmakers supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara have asked Martin Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers to admit they defected and stop calling themselves members of the State Assembly.
These pro-Fubara lawmakers visited the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly to show support, just days after pro-Wike lawmakers paid a similar visit to Amaewhule’s faction.
The visiting lawmakers included Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Boma Goodhead, Boniface Emerengwa, Allison Anderson Igbiks, and Manuchim Umezuruike. Speaking on behalf of the group, Abiante said their visit was to correct misinformation spread by their pro-Wike colleagues.
He criticized the pro-Wike lawmakers’ recent visit, saying their statements misled the public. Abiante reassured the Oko-Jumbo Assembly that many Rivers people supported them.
Abiante dismissed claims that a court ruling by Justice Omotosho confirmed the legitimacy of Amaewhule and his group.
He argued that the court never made such a decision and insisted that the 27 lawmakers voluntarily defected in December 2023, which meant they automatically lost their seats.
He referenced Supreme Court cases from Plateau and Ondo states to support his claim, stating that once lawmakers defect, they lose their positions.
On whether the Oko-Jumbo Assembly could continue working, Abiante cited a ruling by former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, which allows an Assembly to function with its remaining members until new ones are elected.
He also mocked Amaewhule and his group for trying to deny their defection despite signing affidavits confirming their move. Their actions, he said, were damaging the reputation of Nigeria’s legislative system.
Regarding the 2024 budget dispute, Abiante said the matter was no longer relevant as the year had progressed. He also called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Judicial Council, and the police to ignore Amaewhule’s alleged misrepresentation of facts.
In response, Victor Oko-Jumbo thanked the visiting lawmakers for their support and assured them that the Assembly would continue its work without fear. He emphasized that the Rivers State government was focused on development, not political distractions.
Reaffirming his stance, Oko-Jumbo declared, “The 27 lawmakers are gone.”
