A recent press conference held by Rivers State Lawmakers / National Assembly members in sympathy with former Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and his Committee of Former Lawmakers has ignited intense controversy. The group claimed their gathering was meant to “put a stop to the falsehood and misrepresentation of facts on the judgments of courts as it affects the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Governor of Rivers State.” However, critics argue that the true objective was to mislead the public about the legal and political realities in Rivers State.
The press conference, intended to counter alleged judicial bias, has been met with fierce opposition. Observers maintain that the event was not about setting the record straight but rather about obscuring the facts surrounding the voluntary defection of Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 26 of his colleagues. These lawmakers, by defecting on the floor of the House on December 11, 2023, automatically forfeited their seats—an outcome firmly supported by landmark Supreme Court decisions.
Mark Twain’s famous words resonate in this context: “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” Critics argue that until these misleading statements are corrected, public perception will remain distorted.
Legal experts point to several Supreme Court rulings—including DAPIANLONG Vs. DARIYE (2007) and A.G. FEDERATION Vs. ABUBAKAR (2007)—which unequivocally state that any elected lawmaker who defects from their political party loses their seat automatically from the moment of defection. This principle was reinforced in the ABEGUNDE Vs. ONDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY (2014) decision by the Court of Appeal, making the loss of seat both automatic and mandatory.
Notably, the judgment rendered by Hon Justice Omotosho in the case of RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY Vs. THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA did not address the defection issue. Instead, it left unanswered questions regarding whether remaining minority lawmakers could continue House business—a matter previously clarified by Hon Justice Walter Onnoghen in related cases.
As one observer succinctly put it in the words of Elvis Presley, “Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t goin’ away.” This sentiment underscores the legal certainty that defection results in a loss of legitimacy and authority within the House.
The repercussions of the defection are far-reaching. By voluntarily crossing the floor, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and his cohort have irrevocably become former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Despite their public claims to the contrary, evidence—including sworn affidavits—confirms that their exit was both visible and procedurally binding.
Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the Nigerian Constitution and the Rule of Law. His administration, along with other legal stakeholders in the state, has called on national leaders—including President Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the National Judicial Council—to dismiss the misleading narratives propagated by the former lawmakers.
In the spirit of Abraham Lincoln’s advice—“Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.”—the call is clear: the Constitution remains the ultimate authority, and any deviation from its mandates must be rejected.
A Call for Transparency and Constitutional Integrity
The controversy highlights a broader issue of political accountability and the dangers of deliberate misrepresentation in public discourse. As Booker T. Washington once stated, “A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority.” The ongoing debate in Rivers State serves as a potent reminder that the truth, supported by judicial precedent and constitutional law, will eventually prevail over any false narratives.
Multiple representatives from Rivers State—including Rep. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante Ph.D, Rep. Boma Goodhead, Rep. Boniface Emerengwa, Rep. Anderson Allison Igbiks, and Rep. Manuchim Umezurike—have signed onto the official press release, urging all stakeholders and the Nigerian public to disregard the deliberate misinformation circulating in political circles.
As this story develops, legal experts and political observers alike continue to monitor the situation, ensuring that transparency and adherence to the rule of law remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Related story: https://symfoninews.com/tinubu-to-address-joint-session-of-national-assembly-wednesday/
