The Labour Party has reaffirmed its commitment to proving that the 27 lawmakers in Rivers State, who declared their defection in December last year, effectively vacated their legislative seats as a result.
The lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 11, 2023, reportedly without any internal crisis within the PDP—a condition often required to justify such moves.
The LP is among the parties seeking a judicial declaration on the validity of the lawmakers’ seats.
Speaking after a hearing before Justice Emmanuel Obele of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, the Labour Party’s counsel, Clifford Chukwu, stated that the party has compelling evidence to substantiate its case.
Among the evidence is a video clip showing Amaewhule announcing the defections on behalf of himself and the other 26 lawmakers.
Chukwu explained that the court had granted leave to present the video as evidence, but at resumed hearing on Wednesday, Justice Obele opted to address preliminary applications before proceeding to the substantive matter.
The case has been adjourned to January 21, 2025, when the video evidence is expected to be presented in court.
The Labour Party case was one of the two matters that were considered by the Judge, Justice Emmanuel Obele on the same subject matter.
The second case was by the Speaker of the Pro-Fubara Lawmakers, Victor Oko-Jumbo and his two colleagues, Sokari Goodboy and Adolphus Timothy.
Oko-Jumbo and his colleagues are urging the court to declare that the 27 lawmakers are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, citing Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, among other related demands.
After considering in affirmation the application for joinder by the PDP and the APC, the judge, Justice Emmanuel Obele adjourned to December 10, 2024, for adoption of processes which may lead to reservation of judgement.
