Five federal lawmakers from Rivers State loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have called on the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly to stop parading themselves as legitimate lawmakers.
The lawmakers made the statement on Monday during a solidarity visit to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly, barely a week after pro-Wike federal lawmakers visited the Amaewhule-led faction.
The visiting National Assembly members included Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro), Boma Goodhead (Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru), Boniface Emerengwa (Ikwerre/Emohua), Allison Anderson Igbiks (Okrika/Ogu-Bolo), and Manuchim Umezuruike (Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1).
Speaking on behalf of the group, Abiante said the visit was to counter misinformation and provide clarity on the political crisis in the state.
He dismissed claims by pro-Wike lawmakers that a Federal High Court judgment by Justice Omotosho validated the legitimacy of Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers.
“A lie not rebutted could become the truth,” Abiante said, insisting that the ruling did not affirm the seats of the 27 lawmakers, who, he said, lost their positions after defecting in December 2023.
Citing Supreme Court rulings in similar cases from Plateau and Ondo states, Abiante maintained that the defected lawmakers no longer had legislative authority.
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On the legislative powers of the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly, he referenced a ruling by former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen in Dapialong v. Dariye, which established that an Assembly can function with its remaining members until vacancies are filled.
He also accused the Amaewhule-led faction of misleading the public and urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Judicial Council, and the Inspector General of Police to disregard their claims.
In response, Victor Oko-Jumbo praised the visiting lawmakers for their support, affirming that the Rivers State House of Assembly under his leadership remained committed to governance.
“The 27 lawmakers are gone,” Oko-Jumbo declared, emphasizing that the state government was focused on development rather than political distractions.