A legal showdown in Rivers State has entered a critical phase as the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned a case challenging the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The matter, filed by the pro-Fubara lawmakers, is set for a significant next hearing on February 17, 2025, where all court processes related to the case will be adopted.
The legal battle revolves around the status and legitimacy of the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers who left the PDP, creating tension within the Rivers State House of Assembly. The pro-Fubara faction argues that these defections are not in line with the legal and constitutional framework governing party affiliations within the Assembly, and as such, they are seeking to challenge their continued membership. The defecting lawmakers, aligned with the APC, argue that their switch is within their rights, fueling the ongoing political crisis.
During Wednesday’s court session, counsel for the pro-Fubara lawmakers, Ferdinand Orbih, informed the court that several crucial documents related to the case were missing from the case file. This led to a request for an adjournment to trace and properly file the missing documents. The request was granted without opposition from the other parties involved in the case.
In response, the Attorney General of Rivers State and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Israel-Iboroma, urged the court to direct all parties involved in the case to verify and regularize their court processes at least four days before the next hearing date. This move was intended to ensure that there are no further delays in the proceedings. The presiding judge, Justice Emmanuel Obile, accepted this request, and the matter was adjourned until February 17, 2025, for the adoption of all processes.
This legal battle is crucial for the political future of Rivers State, as it could determine the balance of power within the State Assembly. The case brings to light not only the legal implications of party defections but also the ongoing struggle for control between the factions loyal to Governor Nyesom Wike and those backing the newly-elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Both factions have made significant political moves, with the pro-Fubara lawmakers alleging that the defections violate the spirit of democracy and the party system in the state. On the other hand, the pro-Wike lawmakers maintain that their defection was made in accordance with their constitutional rights. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how party defections and political alignments are handled in Rivers State and potentially in other states across Nigeria.
As this legal battle continues, all eyes will be on February 17, 2025, when the next hearing will take place, with both sides hoping for a favorable ruling to advance their political interests.