By Milcah Tanimu

Tensions are escalating in the political landscape of Rivers State as the G27 faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Mr. Martins Amaewhule, asserts that their seats are not vacant despite their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the state government and PDP disagree with this stance.

Amaewhule justifies the defection, citing constitutional reasons and the ongoing crisis within the PDP in the state. He emphasizes that the G27 faction’s actions are in accordance with the 1999 constitution, specifically Section 109, and dismisses the legitimacy of the 4-member faction led by Edison Ehie, claiming they cannot form a quorum.

In the midst of this, an alleged draft of a court order supporting the G-27 and initiating impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara has surfaced. The leaked draft reveals a Federal High Court in Abuja declaring the seats of the 25 lawmakers, who joined the APC, as not vacant.

The PDP and the Rivers State government counter Amaewhule’s claims, asserting that the seats remain vacant as declared by Edison Ehie, the new speaker of the House. The PDP’s Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, Sidney Tambari Gbara, maintains that the defection violated the law, resulting in vacant seats.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, insists that the 27 lawmakers violated the law by leaving their party, and their claim to still be members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is baseless.

The national leadership of the PDP dismisses claims of factionalization within the party, attributing the actions of the G-27 lawmakers to the influence of a former governor, who has allegedly turned against the PDP.

Salihu Moh. Lukman, the immediate-past National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, acknowledges the party’s responsibility for the political crisis in Rivers State. He urges political leaders, including Governor Wike and Governor Fubara, to take responsibility for their actions and prioritize governance over personal conflicts.

Amidst the turmoil, the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights (CALSER) accuses the G-27 lawmakers of planning to sabotage byelections that aim to fill the vacant seats. CALSER urges the lower courts not to entertain legal challenges that may undermine the stability of the country.

The political unrest in Rivers State underscores the complexity of party defections, constitutional interpretations, and power struggles, raising concerns about the impact on governance and the overall well-being of the people.