PDP Calls for Fresh Elections in Rivers State as Lawmakers Defect to APC.
10 things that have happened in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize new elections for 27 State Constituencies in Rivers State. This call follows the defection of lawmakers from the oil-rich state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday.
The defection occurred approximately two weeks after the former governor of the state, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, disclosed that 27 lawmakers in the state were opposed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In defecting from the PDP, the political party platform under which they were elected to the Rivers State House of Assembly, the seats of the 27 former lawmakers have become vacant,” stated the PDP.
The PDP has called on the Speaker of the Rivers State House Assembly to promptly adhere to the law and declare the seats of the 27 former lawmakers vacant. Additionally, the party has cautioned the former lawmakers against presenting themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, emphasizing that continuing to do so could lead to charges of impersonation, a serious criminal offense.
Political Turmoil Unfolds in Rivers State: Impeachment Plans, Assembly Chambers Burned, and Factional Shifts
In a recent turn of events in Rivers State, a political storm has erupted following revelations of a plan to impeach Governor Siminialayi Fubara. Here’s a concise breakdown of the unfolding crisis:
1. October 29: The main chambers of the state Assembly were set ablaze during the night.
2. October 30: Despite the arson, 24 Members conducted a sitting inside the auditorium, electing Edison Ehie as the House leader. Another faction elected Edison Ehie as Speaker of the 10th Assembly, suspending some lawmakers.
3. October 31: Solidarity demonstrations in support of Governor Fubara took place in Port Harcourt, while a State High Court in Isiokpo issued a restraining order on the impeachment.
4. November 1: Fubara expressed optimism that the political crisis with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, would be resolved.
5. November 7: The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt ordered all Assembly factions not to take any action until the matter before the court is resolved.
6. November 20: An alleged assassination attempt on Edison by police officers was later deemed a routine patrol. Lawmakers held a sitting, urging the police to prosecute those responsible for the chamber’s burning.
7. November 24: The Federal High Court issued Form 48 against Martins Amaewhule and his deputy for Contempt of Court.
8. December 4: A State High Court adjourned to December 20 to hear Fubara’s case against the Assembly, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Clerk, and Chief Judge.
9. December 7: The Federal High Court in Abuja granted an order empowering the Rivers State House of Assembly to perform its constitutional functions without restrictions.
10. December 11: A significant defection occurred as a majority of lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, shifted allegiance from the PDP to the APC.
The political landscape in Rivers State remains turbulent as legal battles and factional shifts continue to shape the unfolding narrative. Stay tuned for further developments on this evolving political saga.
