Five federal lawmakers from Rivers State, aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, have urged their counterparts loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, led by Martin Amaewhule, to stop presenting themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The lawmakers made this call during a solidarity visit to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly on Monday, just days after pro-Wike federal lawmakers visited the Amaewhule-led faction.
The visiting National Assembly members included Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro), Boma Goodhead (Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru), Boniface Emerengwa (Ikwerre/Emohua), Allison Anderson Igbiks (Okrika/Ogu-Bolo), and Manuchim Umezuruike (Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1).
Speaking on behalf of the group, Abiante stated that their visit aimed to counter misinformation spread by the pro-Wike lawmakers.
He criticized their recent visit, arguing that their statements raised concerns about credibility.
Abiante reassured the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly of widespread support from Rivers residents and condemned the opposing lawmakers for misleading the public.
He dismissed claims that a ruling by Justice Omotosho affirmed the legitimacy of Martin Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers, emphasizing that the judgment made no such declaration.
He reiterated that the 27 lawmakers voluntarily defected in December 2023, thus forfeiting their seats.
Citing Supreme Court rulings from Plateau and Ondo states, Abiante insisted that lawmakers who defect lose their positions.
Addressing concerns about the Assembly’s ability to function, he referenced former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen’s ruling in *Dapialong v. Dariye*, which upheld that an Assembly can continue with its remaining members until vacancies are filled.
He criticized Amaewhule and his colleagues for attempting to retract their defection despite submitting affidavits confirming their move, calling their actions an embarrassment to legislative practices.
On the 2024 budget dispute, Abiante dismissed ongoing legal challenges as irrelevant, noting that the year had progressed beyond the controversy. He assured that Governor Fubara would act within legal bounds.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Judicial Council, and the Inspector General of Police to disregard alleged misrepresentations by Amaewhule’s group.
In response, Victor Oko-Jumbo commended the lawmakers for their support and vowed to lead the Assembly without fear.
He emphasized that the Rivers State government remained focused on governance and development, undistracted by political conflicts.
Oko-Jumbo reaffirmed his stance, declaring, “The 27 lawmakers are gone.”
