The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order empowering the Rivers State House of Assembly to carry out its constitutional functions without interference. The court has also restrained the Rivers State Government, its agents, or privies from withholding funds for the Assembly, disrupting the functions of the Assembly’s Clerk and Deputy Clerk, or interfering with the House’s operations.
This legal development arises from a factional dispute within the Rivers State Assembly, with one faction aligning with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. The faction sought the court order after two previous decisions had instructed both factions to maintain the status quo.
On November 1, a High Court in Isiokpo, following a suit filed by the Rivers State Government and Governor Sim Fubara against the Amaewhule faction of the Rivers Assembly, ordered both parties to maintain the status quo. The hearing for this suit has been adjourned to December 20.
Subsequently, on November 21, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt issued an order directing the two factions within the Rivers State House of Assembly to maintain status quo ante bellum and suspend further deliberations until the matter before the court is resolved. This order resulted from a suit filed by factional Speaker Ehie Edison.
The legal proceedings reflect the ongoing factional disputes within the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the courts are actively engaged in addressing the conflicts and ensuring the proper functioning of the legislative body.
