The Domestic Transparency Watch, a group advocating for accountability, has called on the Rivers State government to reject a recent judgment by the state’s high court, which reinstated 27 lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule to the State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued by its president, Adam Biu, the group warned against condoning any form of legislative misconduct contemplated by the former lawmakers. They argued that the defection of these lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) violated the Nigerian Constitution.
Biu expressed disappointment with the court’s ruling, which deemed the defected members as still belonging to the PDP and therefore eligible to retain their seats in the Assembly. Despite the presentation of a defection letter by Amaewhule and 25 others in December 2023, the judgment reinstated them as PDP members of the Assembly.
The group urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to challenge the judgment in the interest of the people of Rivers State. They also called for an investigation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) into the judgment of the Rivers State High Court.
In their statement, the Domestic Transparency Watch condemned what they described as “legislative rascality” and accused the dismissed lawmakers of attempting to disrupt the state by undermining the law. They emphasized the need for adherence to the Constitution, particularly Section 109(1)(g) and (2) regarding defection in parliament.
The group stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for the people of Rivers State. They expressed confidence that the state government would take appropriate action to address the situation and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in governance.
