Rivers State Government Responds to Court Ruling
PRESS RELEASE
On October 10, 2024, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal dismissed Appeal No. CA/ABJ/133/CS/2024 filed by the Governor of Rivers State, challenging the Federal High Court’s earlier ruling in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/133/CS/2023 from January 22, 2024.
To provide context, following a failed impeachment attempt on October 30, 2023, the Rivers State House of Assembly split into two factions. One faction, led by Martin Amaewhule, initiated legal action at the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing Suit No. FHC/ABJ/1613/CS/2023 on November 29, 2023.
On December 11, 2023, Amaewhule and several others defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, their defection resulted in an automatic loss of their seats in the Assembly on that date, without needing a court order.
On December 13, 2023, the Governor presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, who was recognized as Speaker at the time. The bill was later passed and became the 2024 Appropriation Law.
Amidst the Assembly’s crisis and following an intervention from the President of Nigeria for all parties to withdraw their legal actions to restore peace, the Governor complied and withdrew his cases. However, Amaewhule and others did not follow suit, obtaining a judgment against the Governor.
Following today’s Court of Appeal ruling, there are incorrect claims that Martin Amaewhule and the 26 others still hold seats in the Assembly and that he remains the Speaker. This is untrue. The court proceedings did not address their defections, which have already been legally resolved.
Dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal’s decision, the Governor has instructed his legal team to appeal to the Supreme Court and request a stay of execution on the ruling to maintain the current status.
The Governor urges the citizens of Rivers State to disregard misleading information being circulated by those spreading false narratives.
Signed
D.I. Iboroma, SAN
Hon. Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State
