The political battlefield in Rivers State just got more intense. Opposition lawmakers are standing their ground, declaring that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, have lost their seats after defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Here’s a breakdown of this unfolding power tussle.
Opposition Lawmakers Say They Are No Longer Assembly Members
A coalition of opposition lawmakers has issued a strong statement insisting that former Speaker Martin Amaewhule and his 27 pro-Wike lawmakers are no longer legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to them, the moment these lawmakers switched from the PDP to the APC, they automatically forfeited their seats, as required by law when there is no internal party crisis justifying the defection.
They emphasized that:
Their defection was public and happened on the floor of the Assembly
They signed affidavits to back up their switch
APC welcomed them with open arms at a political rally and even held a celebratory dinner
With these facts, the opposition insists that Amaewhule and his colleagues should stop parading themselves as lawmakers.
Supreme Court’s Role: Did It Reinstate the Defected Lawmakers
The Supreme Court recently dismissed Governor Sim Fubara’s appeal regarding the leadership of the Rivers Assembly.
However, opposition lawmakers argue that the ruling does not mean the sacked lawmakers have regained their seats.
So why was the appeal dropped?
Governor Fubara withdrew it, saying the 2024 budget had already been implemented, making the case unnecessary
Opposition insists the ruling does not override existing laws, and since they defected, their seats should remain vacant
Who Controls the Rivers State Assembly Now
Amidst the confusion, opposition lawmakers insist that Speaker Oko Jumbo is the rightful leader of the Rivers Assembly.
Meanwhile, the pro-Wike lawmakers still claim legitimacy, leading to serious political uncertainty.
What Happens Next
With tensions rising, here are the big questions on everyone’s mind:
Will the Supreme Court make a final ruling on whether the defected lawmakers keep their seats
How will Governor Fubara handle this political power play
Will this crisis spark further legal battles or political unrest
One thing is certain, the drama in Rivers State politics is far from over.
What Are Your Thoughts
Do you think the defected lawmakers should retain their seats, or should they step down as the opposition claims? Let us know in the comments.
