Martin Amaewhule and the other twenty-six lawmakers who defected are not officially recognized as members of the PDP or the Rivers State House of Assembly, as Mr. Dagogo Israel Iboroma (SAN), the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the Rivers State, has made clear.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The Sun reported that he addressed the incorrect information that is making the rounds on social media and in traditional media, advising people to reject these assertions as untrue and without legal support.
Iboroma, the third defendant, stated during his Monday speech in Port Harcourt that he learned of a recent court ruling that has been misconstrued.
He clarified that the goal of the court’s action was not to declare Amaewhule’s and the other 26 seats empty. Rather, the complaint was dismissed by the court as a misuse of the legal system and because the plaintiffs lacked jurisdiction and legal standing.
Iboroma clarified that, according to an affidavit by Amaewhule that is currently pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Amaewhule and the other 26 lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC on December 11, 2023.
The State Attorney-General clarified, “By Section 272(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it is only the Federal High Court that can determine whether Martins Amaewhule and 26 others are still members of the Peoples Democratic Party and also members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This much was held by the trial court.”
Iboroma also reminded the public of an existing injunction that prohibits Amaewhule and his associates from holding legislative sessions until the primary case is settled.
Amaewhule and the other 26 lawmakers were earlier reportedly confirmed as PDP members by a Port Harcourt High Court.
In a lawsuit brought by Tonye Darius, Godspower Obuah, and Hyacinth Amadi, Justice Okogbule Gbasam determined that the plaintiffs had not produced sufficient evidence to show that the lawmakers had switched to the APC.
According to Justice Gbasam, vocal proclamations or open ceremonies cannot be used to verify party membership—only a party register or membership card may do so.
He said that because the legislators are still regarded as PDP members, the Rivers State administration has to abide by the legislation approved by the Assembly.
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