The Supreme Court of Nigeria has given reasons for restoring the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly. The court ruled that there was no valid evidence to prove that 27 lawmakers had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In its judgment, the court pointed out that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who initially accused the lawmakers of defection, later withdrew his claims at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Since there was no proof of defection, the Supreme Court stated that the House of Assembly must remain as it was.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the judgment, explained that a House of Assembly must exist as defined by the 1999 Constitution. The court ruled that Governor Fubara had no legal right to recognize only four lawmakers while disregarding the others.

The judgment criticized Fubara for trying to prevent the Assembly from functioning, labeling his actions unconstitutional. The court stated that his attempts to exclude 27 lawmakers and shut down the Assembly were illegal. It also ruled that without a functioning legislature, there is no proper government in Rivers State.

As a result, the court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General to stop releasing state funds until a proper budget is passed by the Assembly. It also instructed all 27 lawmakers, led by Amaewhule, to resume their duties without any obstruction.