Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has maintained that the seats vacated by lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will remain vacant, despite a recent judgement by the Appeal Court. The pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule and loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, had secured a judgement overturning a lower court order that prohibited them from presenting themselves as legislators.
A Port Harcourt High Court had initially prohibited the defecting lawmakers from presenting themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. However, the Appeal Court in Abuja overturned this decision, with a three-judge panel led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada ruling that the trial court lacked jurisdiction, suggesting that the case should be handled by a federal high court.
Governor Fubara, addressing opinion leaders, women, and youths of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas on July 10, 2024, reiterated that the lawmakers who defected have effectively vacated their positions. He emphasized that his administration is focusing on preparing the 2025 budget and addressing key areas such as agriculture. Fubara expressed that the defecting lawmakers made a voluntary decision to leave the platform on which they were elected and will have to return home as a consequence. He indicated that he had previously supported these lawmakers but now considers their political careers in Rivers State to be over following their defection.