Port Harcourt – The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned proceedings in a case concerning the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The matter, which seeks to declare the seats of the lawmakers vacant, including that of embattled Speaker Martin Amaewhule, will resume on April 30, 2025, for the adoption of legal processes.
The case was brought before the court by the current Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, alongside two other applicants.
The plaintiffs are challenging the December 11, 2023, defection of Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They argue that the lawmakers’ defection necessitates the declaration of their seats as vacant.
During the latest hearing, Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN), lead counsel for the applicants, informed Justice Emmanuel Obile that the defense team, led by Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), had submitted new counter-affidavits via WhatsApp on February 15.
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In response, Ali’s legal team filed a reply on February 17. Orbih subsequently requested an adjournment to allow sufficient time to review the filings.
Justice Obile granted the request for adjournment, citing the need for procedural fairness.
He also noted that the court would await the Supreme Court’s ruling on related cases involving the Rivers State government before making further progress in this matter.
Dagogo Iboroma (SAN), representing the Rivers State Government, confirmed the adjournment and highlighted the significance of the case, which addresses constitutional questions arising from the mass defection of lawmakers.
The legal battle underscores ongoing political tensions in Rivers State as both parties await further judicial clarifications on the implications of defections within legislative bodies.
