The dispute between Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nysom Wike and his political son the Governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara deepened on Friday as 25 members of the House of Assembly loyal to Wike were restrained from parading themselves as members of State House of Assembly.
A Judge of Rivers State High Court His Lordship Hon. Justice C.N. Wali issued an interim order of injunction on May 10, restraining the 25 members of House of Assembly loyal to Wike from performing the function of the house pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice challenging the validity of their membership having decamped from People’s Democratic Party PDP to All Progressive Congress .
The interim injunction followed an ex-parte motion brought by RT. Hon. Victor
Oko Jumbo who was elected Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, and two others; Hon. Sokari Good boy Sokari and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy.
Justice Wali made the order after hearing Sammie A. Somiari, SAN, with five other lawyers and ordered as follows:
“An Order of interim injunction is granted restraining the 1% to 25” Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of Rivers State House of Assembly and/ or meeting/sitting at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at off Aba Road, Port Harcourt or 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 Motion on Notice.
“An Order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the 26” to 28%( “who are the Governor of Rivers State, Attorney General of Rivers State and Chief Judge of Rivers State respectively”) Defendants from dealing with, interfacing, accepting any resolutions, bills and/or howsoever interacting with the 1st to 25th Defendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their respective seats having been declared vacant with effect from 13′ December, 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
“it is further Ordered that the Motion on Notice and the writ and other processes in this case be served on the 1st to 25th Defendants/Respondents within seven (7) days from date by substituted means to wit: by pasting at the entrance gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Legislative Quarters, Off Aba Road, Port Harcourt and for such service to be deemed good and proper.
“That this case is adjourned to the 29th May, 2024 for Motion on Notice.
Those restrained from parading themselves as members of Rivers State House of Assembly are 1.Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, 2. Hon. Dumle Maol , 3. Hon. Major Jack ,4. Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, 5. Hon. Christopher Kag ang Ofiks, 6. Hon. Azeru Opera, 7. Hon. Enemi Alabo George 8. Hon. Granville Texenari Wellington, 9. Hon. Ngbar Bernard 10. Hon. John Dominic Iderima 11. Hon. Queen Uwuma Tony Williams,
- Hon. Lcolo Isaiah Opuenoe 13. Hon. Abbey Peter 14. Hon. Igwe – Obey Aforii 15. Hon. Justina Emeji 16. Hon. Ignatius Onwuka Defendants 17. Hon. Chimeziz Nwankwo 18. Hon Lemchi Prince Nyeche 19. Hon. Barile NV/Akoh 20. Hon Emilia Lucky Amadi 21. Hon Nkemjika 22. Hon Davious Arnold Oxobiriari 23. Hob . Nwankwo Sylvanus 24. Hon . Gerald Ofiri and 25. Hon.. Wami Solgion .