The Federal High Court in Abuja has deferred judgment in the suit brought by Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the National Assembly (NASS), and others. The court will announce its decision on January 22 after both parties presented their arguments.
Amaewhule and the Rivers House of Assembly filed the suit against NASS, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, House of Representatives Speaker, House Deputy Speaker, House Majority Leader, House Minority Leader, and Clerk to NASS.
The suit also included Governor Fubara, Attorney-General of Rivers, Commissioner of Finance, Accountant-General of Rivers, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Inspector-General of Police, and Rt. Honourable Edison Ehie, listed as the Rivers Assembly’s Speaker.
The plaintiffs sought an injunction restraining NASS from entertaining any request to take over the functions of the Rivers Assembly. They also sought an order compelling the Inspector General of Police to provide security for the Speaker and an injunction against Governor Fubara from impeding the assembly’s proceedings. Additionally, they sought to prevent the withholding of funds from the assembly.
During the hearing, the court granted the application for joinder filed by Ehie, who claimed to be the Speaker of Rivers Assembly. However, the judge cautioned against drawing conclusions from social media and emphasized the need for the court to rely on facts presented during proceedings.
The judge questioned the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Ken Njemanze, about President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and the reported settlement. Njemanze confirmed an agreement for withdrawal of certain suits and the resignation of Ehie as the Speaker. However, he clarified that the governor had not withdrawn a suit filed at the Rivers State High Court.
The defense argued for dismissal of the case, pointing to the settlement agreement. The judge expressed dissatisfaction with the move by Ehie to file a motion for joinder after the resignation.
This case revolves around the power tussle within the Rivers House of Assembly and involves complex legal considerations, including issues related to jurisdiction and political settlements. The court’s decision on January 22 will provide clarity on the legal standing of the parties involved.
