The Supreme Court has revealed why it reinstated Martin Amaewhule as leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court found no evidence to support Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s claim that 27 Assembly members defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Fubara had withdrawn his allegations of defection at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Supreme Court ruled that this withdrawal meant no defection took place, and the original House of Assembly must remain.
Justice Emmanuel Agim emphasized that the Constitution prescribes the composition of the House of Assembly. Governor Fubara’s recognition of only four members as the authentic House of Assembly was an aberration, Justice Agim said.
The Supreme Court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to stop releasing funds to the Rivers State government until the restored House of Assembly passes an Appropriation Law.
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) accused Governor Fubara’s opponents of treason. CISLAC’s Legal Manager, Gimba Hassan, stated, “Some actions against Fubara contain elements of treason under Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act and treasonable felony under Section 40 of the same Act.”
Hassan criticized the use of violence against Governor Fubara, the burning of the House of Assembly, and the withdrawal of his security detail. He urged Rivers State leaders to prioritize governance and end the people’s suffering.