A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday 18th of December 2023, has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from organizing by-elections to replace lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In the same vein, President Bola Tinubu is also mediating alongside stakeholders to quell the current skirmishes in the State.
It can be recalled that 27 lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday 11th of December 2023. The defection prompted the PDP to declare their seat vacant, and therefore seek fresh by-elections. However, a court sitting in Abuja has barred the INEC from organizing by-elections to replace members.
Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court in Abuja also barred the defendants in the case from interfering with the 27-member camp of the Rivers State House of Assembly from conducting their legislative duties as speaker, deputy speaker, and members of the parliament.
The Judge further restrained the Inspector-General of Police and the State Security Service (SSS) from denying/refusing to provide security to the 27 Lawmakers; before adjourning the suit to December 28 for hearing.
Similarly, President Bola Tinubu is meeting with stakeholders from Rivers State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to reports, the stakeholders include Vice President Kashim Shettima; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; former governor of the state, Peter Odili; current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as well as some traditional rulers from the state.
However, at the time of reporting, former Governor Of the state, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike was not present, although it has been reported that he will attend.
