NEWS
R/State Court Drops Bombshell, Declares 25 Assembly Seats Vacant
In a pivotal judicial ruling, the Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has mandated the vacancy of seats held by 25 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The court’s directive, delivered by Hon. Justice Charles Wali in Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024, responds to a legal challenge brought forth by key figures within the state’s legislative assembly.
Notably, the court has also enjoined Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule to cease his role as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and has restrained 24 other lawmakers from assuming legislative functions.
The defendants, including several prominent political figures, have been embroiled in a legal battle that implicates the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi.
The defendants in the cases includes Hon.martin Chike Amaewhule, Hon. Dumle Maol Hon. Major Jack, Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Hon.christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Hon. Azeru Opara, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Hon.Granville Tekenari Wellington, Hon. Ngbar Bernard, Hon. John Dominic Iderima.
Others are: Hon.queen Uwuma Tony Williams, Hon.loolo Isaiah Opuende, Hon.abbey Peter, Hon. Igwe-obey Aforji, Hon. Justina Emeji, Hon. Ignatius Onwuka, Hon.chimezie Nwankwo, Hon. Lemchi Prince Nyeche, Hon. Barile Nwakoh, Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe, Hon. Davids Arnold Okobiriari, Hon. Nwankwo Sylvanus Hon. Gerald Oforji, and Wami Solomon.
Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, have been named as the second set of defendants in the suit.
Hon. Justice Charles Wali, in an interlocutory order, has directed that lawmakers aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, refrain from assuming their legislative roles until the substantive case is determined.
The order read, “An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the 1” to 25th Defendants from parading land holding out themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and/or meeting/sitting at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at Aba Road; Port Harcourt or at any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
“An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is hereby made restraining the 26th to 28th Defendants from dealing with, interfacing, accepting any resolutions, bills and/or howsoever interacting with the 1at to 25th Descendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly their legislative seats having been declared vacant with effect from 13th December,2023 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
“That this case is adjourned to 1st July, 2024 for Mention.”
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, hairman of Dangote Industries Limited, has voiced confidence that Nigeria’s economy could be revitalized within months through concerted efforts between the government and private sector.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after his induction into the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, Dangote emphasized the potential for collaboration to drive substantial economic turnaround.
The PECC, comprising high-level officials and key private sector leaders like Tony Elumelu of United Bank of Africa and Bismarck Rewane of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, aims to provide strategic guidance to policy-making.
READ MORE: https://biztellers.com.ng/dangote-slams-cbns-interest-rate-hike-warns-of-job-losses/
Dangote pledged that both sectors would work closely to advise and implement policies crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.
He said “This is where the public and private sector will work together. We will advise the government on the type of policies needed to revamp the economy.
“Our economy can be turned around in a few months. Things will soon change. We will work to make sure that things change for the better.
Recall that during a three-day summit organized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Abuja earlier this week, business tycoon Aliko Dangote advocated for new policies aimed at safeguarding and promoting the development of local industries.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritize the protection of existing businesses, particularly manufacturers, by creating conducive operational environments.
He stressed “Nobody can create jobs with an interest rate of 30%. No growth will happen. We must look to leading countries in the West and the East who are actively protecting their domestic industries.
“Import dependence is equivalent to importing poverty and exporting jobs. No power, no growth, no prosperity. Similarly, no affordable financing, no growth, no prosperity. There is no industrialisation without protection. Ignoring these facts is what gives rise to insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and abject poverty.”
In a significant act of digital activism, the hashtags #Tinubumustgo and #EndBadGovernance2024 have surged to the top of X’s trending topics, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political leadership.
A striking image bearing the message “End bad Governance in Nigeria 2024” has become the emblem of this growing movement, demanding the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and advocating for improved governance across the nation.
The protest urges Nigerians from all tribes, religions, and regions to join, highlighting a collective effort to tackle the country’s challenges.
Uproar As Angry Nigerians Ignite ‘#TinubuMustGo’ Campaign On Social Media
Recall that, President Tinubu who assumed office in 2023, has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics for years.
However, his presidency has faced substantial criticism, with major issues like persistent economic difficulties, widespread insecurity, and the high cost of living driving public discontent.
These hashtags have united Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, resonating with a shared frustration with the current situation.
Social media platforms have been flooded with posts calling for change as one user tweeted, “Nigeria deserves better leadership. #TinubuMustGo,” while another wrote, “End bad governance now! #EndBadGovernance2024.”
The appellate court in Abuja has overturned a Rivers High Court order that had barred Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from serving as state assembly lawmakers.
The decision came from a three-judge panel led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada, who ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction and that the case should be addressed by a federal high court.
Amaewhule, the factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and his colleagues appealed a Port Harcourt High Court order prohibiting them from acting as legislators.
Rivers Political Turmoil: Pendulum Swings In Favour Wike’s Camp
On May 30, High Court Judge Charles Wali issued an order preventing the lawmakers in Amaewhule’s faction from conducting legislative sessions, including within legislative quarters.
Judge Wali also barred Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from engaging with or accepting resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.
The lawsuit was initiated by Victor Oko Jumbo, another factional speaker, along with legislators Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, all supporters of Governor Fubara.
The High Court declared that all laws enacted by Amaewhule and his faction would be invalid until the case was resolved.
In their appeal, Amaewhule and his group sought to overturn the lower court’s judgment and invalidate the actions taken by Jumbo’s faction.
The appellate court’s ruling now allows Amaewhule and his colleagues to resume their legislative duties, pending further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has strongly criticized and rejected the appellate court’s verdict, arguing that it gives politicians a free pass to switch parties without facing consequences.
The coalition’s executive director, Dr. Samson Iroegbunam, condemned the Court of Appeal’s decision, likening it to legitimizing illegal actions and asserting that lawmakers cannot be allowed to exploit laws they disregard.
He said “The Appeal Court has now created new complications with the judicial precedence it has set instead of giving rulings that stabilise Nigeria’s democracy and enhance the rule of law.”
The group urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm, asserting that the judgment would not stand the test of time.
They emphasized that democratic-minded stakeholders in the state have indicated plans to pursue the matter to the Supreme Court to ensure the will of the people is respected.
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