The Rivers state High Court had on Wednesday affirmed that it has the jurisdiction to handle the suit filed by the 27 Lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly to restrain the Rivers state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP from suspending the legislators.
Justice Sika Aprioku of the Rivers State High Court in his ruling held that he was empowered by the Nigerian constitution to adjudicate on the turn of political matters.
Meanwhile, counsel to the 27 Lawmakers, Barr. Olisa Nwafor described the decision of the court as a landmark in the Nigerian Legal history: “It is a very sound decision which in my view is a landmark in the annals of Nigerian legal history. This is the first time a high court pronouncement is coming concerning purported disciplinary measures meted out by a party against the House of Assembly discharging its constitution duties”.
However, counsel to the PDP, Mr. Ken Njemanze said they will study the ruling and consider whether to appeal against it or file a statement of defence in the hearing of the substantive suit.
According to him, “we have upheld the judge for a well considered ruling. We will consider it and decide whether to appeal against it or whether to go on and file a statement of defence and proceed on the matter”.
In his reaction to the court ruling, the Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd expressed joy over the court’s ruling.
Chidi Lloyd stated that the action of the Lawmakers have been vindicated. He also said the court had in the case justified itself as the last hope of the common man in the country: “what the court has done is to vindicate us. The House of Assembly can not be stopped from performing its function. So what we did in the Obio/Akpor Council is a legislative business. I still see hope for the country”.
It would be recalled that 27 Lawmakers of the Rivers state House of Assembly were suspended following their decision to respect the party’s order to rescind their decision on the suspension of the Obio/Akpor council Executives. PDP had filed a motion requesting the court to strike out the case as it is against the constitution of the party.
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