Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from organising by-elections to fill the 27 vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
These seats were declared vacant after the defection of the lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Okorowo’s order also prevents any interference with the 27-member camp of the Rivers State House of Assembly, barring the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and members from being obstructed in carrying out their legislative duties.
Additionally, the Inspector-General of Police and the State Security Service (SSS) are prohibited from denying or refusing to provide security to the 27 lawmakers or withdrawing their security details.
The case stems from a declaration by Edison Ehie, backed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, declaring vacant the seats of the 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC.
Another group led by Martin Amaewhule, loyal to Nyesom Wike, a former governor and the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), opposes this move.
Mr. Ehie obtained an interim order from the Rivers State High Court in Port-Harcourt, allowing him and three colleagues to conduct legislative activities without interference from the Amaewhule-led faction.
The group of 27 lawmakers sought the order from the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent by-elections and protect their rights.
The court has adjourned the suit to December 28 for further hearings.
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