Supreme Court reserves judgement in Rivers lawmakers’ defection cases

The Supreme Court has reserved for judgment on five appeals linked to the ongoing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Following arguments presented regarding the defection of 27 lawmakers, the court decided to reserve its ruling, with a date for the judgment to be communicated to all parties involved.

Among the key issues is Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s challenge of Martin Amaewhule’s position as Speaker of the House, citing allegations that Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At a previous hearing, the Supreme Court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, dismissed Governor Fubara’s appeal against the re-presentation of the state’s 2024 budget before the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.

The case was dismissed after Governor Fubara’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali, withdrew the appeal, explaining that it was no longer relevant.