A state high court in Port Harcourt has barred 25 members of the Rivers State House Of Assembly from parading themselves as lawmakers.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Charles Wali, the presiding judge, restrained the lawmakers from conducting legislative sittings anywhere — including within the legislative quarters.
The judge also restrained Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, from interfacing with or accepting resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.
The suit was filed by Victor Oko Jumbo, factional speaker, and two other lawmakers — Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy. The trio are loyal to Fubara.
READ ALSO: River Crisis: Jonathan Wades In, Urges Fubara, Wike To Work Together
Those listed as defendants in the suit are Martin Amaewhule, Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Franklin Nwabochi, Christopher Ofiks, Azeru Opara, Enemi George, Granville Wellington, Ngbar Bernard, John Iderima, Queen Williams, Loolo Opuende, Abbey Peter, Igwe-Obey Aforji, Justina Emeji, Ignatius Onwuka, Chimezie Nwanko, Lemchi Nyeche, Barile Nwakohm, Emilia Amadi, Nkemjika Ezekwe, Davids Okobiriari, Nwankwo Sylvanus, Gerald Oforji, and Wami Solomon.
Fubara, Rivers attorney-general, and the state’s chief judge, were listed as 26th to 28th defendants.
READ ALSO: Rivers Crisis: Fubara Blows Hot
“An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and/or meeting/ sitting at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at Old 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 substantive suit,” the judge ruled.
“An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is at this moment made restraining the 26th to the 28th 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 legislative seats have also been declared vacant with effect from 13th December, 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”
The case was adjourned to July 1, 2024, for mention.
