Court to Rule on Labour Party Suit Against Pro-Wike Lawmakers January 21
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has scheduled January 21, 2025, to rule on applications in a suit filed by the Labour Party (LP) seeking to declare vacant the seats of 27 lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In suit number FHC/PH/25/2024, the LP argues that the defection of the lawmakers—allegedly aligned with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—was improper. The party has also requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conduct by-elections to fill the vacant seats, allowing LP and other interested parties to contest.
Court Proceedings
During Wednesday’s hearing, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Obele, the LP’s Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State, Hilda Dokubo, was present.
Ferdinand Orbih, counsel for the second to 28th defendants, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, and the PDP, requested the court consolidate their applications. He explained that the applications dealt with a common subject, urging the court to allow parties to exchange pleadings and provide evidence to support their cases.
Orbih argued, “We respectfully pray for your order consolidating the three applications,” and supported the request with affidavits.
In response, counsel for the LP, Clifford Chukwu, did not oppose the consolidation but urged the court to dismiss the defendants’ motions.
Adjournment
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Obele adjourned the case to January 21, 2025, for a ruling on the applications.
The outcome of the case could significantly impact the political dynamics in Rivers State, particularly the alignment of legislative and party loyalties.
