A Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment on the political crisis in Rivers State has clarified why the court reinstated the leadership of the State House of Assembly under Martin Amaewhule.
In a 62-page judgment obtained on Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled that there was no evidence to support claims that 27 lawmakers had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The judgment, signed by Justice Emmanuel Agim, also revealed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who initially raised the allegations, later withdrew them at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
With no proof of defection, the court held that the lawmakers retain their seats, and the Amaewhule-led leadership remains the legitimate House of Assembly.
Governor Fubara’s Actions Declared Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court condemned Governor Fubara’s recognition of only four lawmakers as the legitimate Assembly, stating that the 1999 Constitution does not support such an arrangement.
The judgment further criticized the Governor’s interference, accusing him of collapsing the House of Assembly to avoid legislative oversight and rule as a despot.
“A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that constitute a state government under the 1999 Constitution. In this case, the Executive arm has chosen to collapse the Legislature, allowing the Governor to rule without legislative oversight, effectively as a despot.”
Supreme Court Orders Immediate Restoration of Assembly
As part of its ruling, the Supreme Court ordered:
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Accountant General of the Federation to withhold funds from the Rivers State Government until an Appropriation Law is enacted by the legitimate House of Assembly.
Martin Amaewhule and the 26 lawmakers should resume sitting immediately as Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The House of Assembly must resume its legislative functions without interference.
This judgment effectively solidifies the authority of the Amaewhule-led House while declaring Governor Fubara’s actions illegal and unconstitutional.
