Supreme Court Recognised Amaehule-led Rivers Assembly Because Their Defection Appeal Not Before It, Rivers State Govt Insists

…Call For Calm, Await Judgment Interpretation

PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Government has insisted that the apex court delivered it’s judgement recognizing Martin Amaehule and 26 other Rivers lawmakers because their defection appeal was not pending before it.

Rivers State Commissioner for Information & Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson made the assertion in a statement on Friday.

Johnson said the following the supreme court decision, the state government is awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment, adding that the government will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people.

He called on all Rivers residents not to be alarmed over the development, but to go about their lawful duties, assuring that the state government remain committed to upholding our mandate to protect the best interest and the rule of law in all matters affecting the state.

Johnson said, “We have taken note of reports in the media regarding the recent judgment of the Supreme Court concerning the funds of Rivers State and the administration of local governments in the state.

“At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment. We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people.

“Though we have not gotten the details of the judgment from our legal team, we enjoin Rivers people to remain calm, law abiding and go about your legitimate businesses as we seek clarity on the judgment.

“We believe that the determination of the main issue of defection of the 27 lawmakers is a matter not before the Supreme Court as it is pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

“Since the issue of defection wasn’t on the table before the learned Justices, in their eyes, Amaewhule and the 26 others are still operating as lawmakers until that matter of defection comes before them.

“We assure you that we remain committed to upholding our mandate to protect the best interest and the rule of law in all matters affecting our dear State.”