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Five federal lawmakers from Rivers State who support Governor Siminalayi Fubara have called on pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, to stop parading themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The lawmakers made this statement on Monday during a solidarity visit to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly, just days after pro-Wike federal lawmakers paid a similar visit to the Amaewhule faction.
The visiting National Assembly members included Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro), Boma Goodhead (Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru), Boniface Emerengwa (Ikwerre/Emohua), Allison Anderson Igbiks (Okrika/Ogu-Bolo), and Manuchim Umezuruike (Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1).
Speaking on behalf of the group, Abiante stated that their visit aimed to counter misinformation spread by their pro-Wike counterparts.
He criticised the recent visit by the pro-Wike lawmakers, arguing that their statements misled the public rather than clarifying issues.
“A lie not rebutted could become the truth,” Abiante said, rejecting claims that a court ruling by Justice Omotosho validated the legitimacy of Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers.
He insisted that the 27 lawmakers, who defected in December 2023, had lost their seats, citing Supreme Court rulings in similar cases from Plateau and Ondo states.
On concerns about whether the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly could continue legislative duties, Abiante referenced a past ruling by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, confirming that an Assembly could function with its remaining members until vacancies were filled.
He also mocked Amaewhule’s faction for trying to reverse their defection, reminding them that they had filed affidavits confirming their move.
Regarding the 2024 budget dispute, Abiante dismissed the ongoing legal battles as irrelevant, noting that the year had already progressed beyond the contested issues.
He urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Judicial Council, and the Inspector General of Police to ignore alleged misrepresentations by Amaewhule’s faction.
In response, Victor Oko-Jumbo commended the visiting lawmakers for their support, vowing to lead the Rivers State House of Assembly without fear.
He reiterated that governance and development remained the state’s priority and declared, “The 27 lawmakers are gone.”
