Amaewhule and Others: According to Section 109, These Lawmakers Have Lost Their Seats— Sokari Goodboy

Rivers State House of Assembly leader Sokari Goodboy expressed questions regarding the legal standing of 26 lawmakers who switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Track News Online reported that he said, “According to Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, these lawmakers have lost their seats because there was no division within the PDP at the time of their defection.” He called for action to hold these lawmakers responsible.

The defectors’ leader, Martin Amaewhule, asserted that internal PDP strife was the reason they had to join the APC. “We left because of the ongoing division in the party,” he countered back.

Despite legal obstacles, he and his team maintained that they never actually defected, saying, “We are still loyal members of the PDP.” This inconsistency has jeopardized their legislative standing.

A court’s ruling confirmed the declaration made by former assembly leader Edison Ehie that the seats of the defectors were vacant. He said, “It was necessary to act decisively to maintain order in the assembly.”

In order to stop the defectors from functioning as lawmakers, Justice Charles N. Wali then gave an order to stop them. However, the defectors continue to impose their will, resulting in anarchy.

Speaking out against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), current Speaker Oko-Jumbo said, “It’s unacceptable that INEC has not conducted by-elections to fill these vacant seats.” He demanded that urgent measures be taken to guarantee that constituents were adequately represented.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s supporters advised the defectors to accept their lot in life and bide their time until the next election cycle. The fact that the matter is still unresolved points out the continuous battles for accountability and political allegiance within the Rivers State Assembly.