The Rivers State Government has clarified that the recent Court of Appeal judgment in Abuja does not reinstate the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the state House of Assembly. In a statement issued on Thursday, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Israel Iboroma, explained that the defection of Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 11, 2023, automatically rendered their seats vacant according to the law.

Iboroma emphasized that the issue of their defection was not addressed in either the Federal High Court or the Court of Appeal. He further pointed out that the judgment in question primarily concerned the 2023 Appropriation Law and the potential takeover of legislative functions by the National Assembly, rather than the legitimacy of Amaewhule and the others remaining in office after their defection.

Following a failed impeachment attempt against the governor in late 2023, the Rivers State House of Assembly became divided into factions. Despite a directive from the President of Nigeria for both parties to withdraw their legal cases to promote peace, Amaewhule’s faction refused to comply and continued with legal proceedings, ultimately obtaining a judgment in their favor.

In response to the Court of Appeal’s ruling, the governor has directed his legal team to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court and file for a stay of execution, ensuring that the current status quo is maintained.

Iboroma urged the people of Rivers State to disregard any misinformation suggesting that Amaewhule and his faction remain legitimate members of the House of Assembly, reiterating that the constitutional provisions make their seats automatically vacant following their defection.