Rivers Assembly Crisis: Court Bars 25 Lawmakers From Legislative Duties

In a recent ruling, a State high court in Port Harcourt has issued a restraining order against 25 members of the Rivers House of Assembly, preventing them from functioning as lawmakers.

Gatekeepers News reports that the presiding judge, Charles Wali, prohibited the lawmakers from conducting legislative sittings anywhere, including within the legislative quarters.

Also, the judge restrained Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers, from engaging with or accepting resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.

The lawsuit was filed by Victor Oko Jumbo, factional speaker, and two other lawmakers who are loyal to Fubara.

The case was adjourned to July 1, 2024, for mention.

This development comes amidst the ongoing polarisation of the Rivers assembly, which began in 2023 due to a rift between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.