Rivers 27 Lawmakers: HARIWA, This Political Duplicity Exposes Selfishness Of Nigerian Politician

 

While denouncing purported protests by lawmakers who had deserted, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has endorsed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to present the 2025 Appropriations Bill to the state’s House of Assembly members.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>

The Independent reported that the human rights organization also praised the governor’s resilience and dedication to respecting constitutional rights and putting the welfare of the populace first.

 

Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the civil rights advocacy group’s national coordinator, noted that Governor Fubara allegedly unveiled the N1.188 trillion budget.

 

The House of Assembly that is legally recognized, which is headed by Speaker Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, House Leader Sokari Goodboy Sokari, and Deputy Speaker Adolphus Orubienimigha, was given the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development.”

The presentation was held in Port Harcourt at the Government House’s Administrative Block.

 

HURIWA reaffirmed its position that, in accordance with Section 109 (1) (g) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) constitution, lawmakers who switched from the PDP to the APC had automatically resigned from their seats.

 

They explained that this constitutional clause stipulates that a lawmaker who leaves their party when there’s no rift in their initial party will lose their seat in the legislature.

 

According to HURIWA, “The Rivers State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Charles Wali, had earlier affirmed this position in its ruling in May, 2024.”

 

“The court declared the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant and issued an interim injunction restraining them from parading themselves as members of the House or conducting any legislative activities.”

“This decision effectively nullified attempts by the defected lawmakers to regain control of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

 

HURIWA commended Fubara for not interacting with lawmakers they characterized as dissidents who attempted to overthrow his administration despite switching to the APC.

 

HURIWA said,”This political duplicity has exposed the selfish and opportunistic tendencies of some Nigerian politicians.”

The group voiced concerns about claims of judicial bias in certain decisions rendered by Federal High Court judges in Abuja, who were alleged to have favored the lawmakers who had defected.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>