In a significant development in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from organizing by-elections to replace the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly whose seats were declared vacant. The ruling comes in response to an ex-parte request filed by the lawmakers seeking to prevent any actions that could undermine their rights.
The factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, declared the seats of 27 lawmakers vacant last Wednesday after they defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The political turmoil in Rivers State is characterized by a power struggle between factions loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Governor Fubara had backed Edison Ehie, while the 27-member faction led by Martin Amaewhule is loyal to Nyesom Wike. The conflict intensified with the attempt to impeach Governor Fubara, leading to a split in the State House of Assembly and even a section of the assembly complex being bombed.
In the interim ruling, Justice Donatus Okorowo barred INEC from declaring vacant or taking any steps to declare the seats of the 27 lawmakers. The judge granted an interim injunction restraining INEC from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The ruling also prevented interference with the lawmakers’ legislative duties and ordered that the Inspector-General of Police and the State Security Service (SSS) refrain from denying or refusing to provide security to the lawmakers or withdrawing their security details.
The political crisis in Rivers State has taken various turns, including parallel plenary sessions held by the two factions at different locations. The court’s intervention now adds another layer to the complex political situation, and the next hearing is scheduled for December 28.
The ongoing power tussle between Governor Fubara and former Governor Wike, played out within the PDP, has escalated, affecting the legislative process and stability in Rivers State. The court’s decision is expected to have significant implications on the trajectory of the political crisis and the fate of the 27 lawmakers.
