RIVERS CRISIS: WHY WE RESTORED AMAEWHULE-LED LEADERSHIP, SUPREME COURT

The Supreme Court has provided clarity on why it restored the Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly, explaining that there was no evidence to support the defection claim against the 27 lawmakers.

In a 62-page judgment delivered on Thursday, the apex court emphasized that the allegation of defection made by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, lacked substantiation.

According to Channels Television, the Governor had earlier withdrawn these allegations at the Federal High Court in Abuja

The court ruled that in the absence of any supporting evidence, no defection had occurred, and the status quo in the House of Assembly should be maintained.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, who signed the judgment, stated that there could not be an authentic House of Assembly unless it followed the constitutionally prescribed process.

He rejected the position of Governor Fubara, who recognized only four members as the legitimate House of Assembly, calling this an unconstitutional move.

The judgment also affirmed that Governor Fubara had engaged in actions that prevented the full assembly from functioning, rendering the allegation of defection irrelevant.

The court ruled that the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Amaewhule, must resume its duties immediately.

It also directed that the Central Bank of Nigeria halt all financial transactions with the Rivers State Government until an appropriation law is passed by the constitutionally recognized assembly.

In light of these findings, the court dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Governor Fubara, affirming the judgment of the Federal High Court and ordering the reinstatement of the Amaewhule-led assembly