Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ifunanya Obeme-Ndukwe
Published on 2024-02-26 18:34:09
An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt recently granted an ex parte application to 10 representatives from Rivers State senatorial districts, led by Anabs Sara-Igbe. The application was made to serve court processes to factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) via substituted means. The three-man appellate court, led by Justice Oluwayamisi Williams-Dawodu, also approved an ex parte application for an expedited hearing of the suit filed by Sara-Igbe and nine others, representing River’s sons and daughters.
The suit seeks constitutional interpretation regarding the alleged inconsistency of the directives for resolving the political impasse in the state with Section 1 of 2 of the Constitution of Nigeria. The claimants are seeking clarification on constitutional provisions, including whether the president has the legal authority to instruct the governor to re-present the 2024 budget to 24 lawmakers, led by Amaewhule, even after their seats were declared vacant following their defection. They also inquired about the re-submission of nine names of commissioners who voluntarily resigned.
Justice Williams-Dawodu directed the court processes to be served on Amaewhule and the 24 lawmakers through WhatsApp or by affixing them to the wall of his residence. The case has been adjourned to April 8, 2024, for the commencement of the hearing. Speaking to the press outside the courtroom, Sara-Igbe emphasized that their pursuit is for justice, which he believes will contribute to the conscientious governance of Rivers State.
There have been several litigations following an explosion that rocked the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, significantly affecting the hallowed chamber on October 29, 2023. The State Assembly had started an impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara on October 30, 2023, citing abuse of power and gross misconduct, which was interrupted by the governor’s supporters. The Assembly became divided, with one faction loyal to the governor and the other to the immediate past governor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the FCT Minister.
In the wake of the political tension in the state, President Bola Tinubu intervened, leading to both parties signing an eight-point resolution in December 2023 to end the political impasse. However, the resolution did not sit well with many stakeholders in Rivers State, resulting in further litigations. The agreement signed at the State House in Abuja is believed to be in favor of the FCT Minister.
The judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld, and every citizen’s rights are protected. The decisions made in courtrooms have a significant impact on the governance and functioning of society. It is essential for the legal system to operate efficiently and effectively to maintain order and justice in the community.
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