Court Postpones For Third Time, Case Seeking to Sack Lawmakers Loyal to Wike

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Friday adjourned till June 3, 2024, for hearing a suit filed by members of the Rivers State civil society organisation seeking to sack 27 lawmakers of the state House of Assembly.

The lawsuit, initiated by members of the Rivers State civil society organizations, challenges the legitimacy of 27 state legislators who switched their allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The civil society groups, led by Enefaa Georgewill, are questioning whether these lawmakers still have the legal right to represent their constituencies under Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution. The groups are also seeking to prevent Governor Siminalayi Fubara from presenting the 2024 budget to these defecting legislators.

The delay, marking the third adjournment of the case, occurred due to the absence of Justice Stephen Daylop Pam and the necessity for all parties involved to agree on a new hearing date. This delay has been criticized by the petitioners, who accuse the defense of stalling the proceedings. Georgewill expressed frustration with the delay, emphasizing the importance of having the court resolve whether the lawmakers remain valid members of the State House of Assembly.