The Rivers State caucus in the House of Representatives has reaffirmed its stance that Martin Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The caucus, led by its leader, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, made this declaration during a solidarity visit to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Abiante emphasized that Amaewhule and his colleagues had lost their seats due to their voluntary defection, which occurred on December 11, 2023, during a plenary session of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He cited relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution, specifically Section 109(1)(g) and Section 68(1)(g), which stipulate that a lawmaker who defects from the party on whose platform they were elected automatically loses their seat.
The lawmaker further referenced several Supreme Court judgments, including those related to the Plateau State House of Assembly, which reinforced the notion that lawmakers who defect from their original parties cannot retain their seats.
Abiante criticized Amaewhule and his colleagues for denying their defection, describing their actions as “unfortunate” and “calculated to mislead” the court. He also commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his commitment to good governance and the rule of law.
In response, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, thanked the caucus for their solidarity visit and pledged that the House would continue to prioritize the welfare of the Rivers people and support Governor Fubara’s administration.
Oko-Jumbo emphasized that the 27 lawmakers who defected were no longer members of the House and that their actions would not disrupt the legislative functions of the Assembly. He reiterated the House’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Other members of the National Assembly who accompanied Abiante on the solidarity visit included Boma Goodhead, representing Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru Federal Constituency; Boniface Emerengwa, representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency; Anderson Allison Igbiks, representing Okrika/Ogu-Bolo Federal Constituency; and Manuchim Umezurike, representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1.