Rivers Assembly Raises Alarm Over Alleged Judicial Plot to Halt Legislative Duties
A fresh political and constitutional controversy is unfolding in Rivers State following allegations of clandestine attempts to manipulate judicial processes to undermine the Rivers State House of Assembly.
PulseNets learnt that the Assembly has uncovered alleged plots by certain individuals to approach selected Rivers State High Courts—particularly those outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division—to secure ex parte orders aimed at unlawfully halting the legislature from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
According to information obtained by PulseNets, the Assembly expressed concern that those behind the alleged moves are fully aware of existing constitutional safeguards that clearly limit such judicial interference. Specifically, reference was made to Section 272(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which unequivocally vests jurisdiction in the Federal High Court on matters relating to whether the tenure of a member of a State House of Assembly, a Governor, or a Deputy Governor has ceased or become vacant.
The Assembly further cited Section 188(10) of the Constitution, which expressly provides that “no proceedings or determination of the panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.”
PulseNets reported that lawmakers also pointed to existing judicial authorities, including a recent ruling of the Court of Appeal, which struck down a similar ex parte order previously issued by a Rivers State High Court in violation of Section 272(5) of the Constitution. The Assembly maintained that these precedents leave no ambiguity as to the illegality of the alleged plots.
Speaking through its Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, the House issued a stern warning to those involved, stressing that constitutional provisions and judicial pronouncements cannot be circumvented through what it described as covert legal manoeuvres.
“A word is enough for the wise,” the statement noted pointedly.
With the consent of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Committee Chairman called on all concerned parties to exercise restraint and desist from actions capable of eroding constitutional order and the rule of law. PulseNets gathered that the Assembly insisted the appropriate course of action for affected office holders—already served with Notices of Allegations of Gross Misconduct—is to formally respond to each allegation rather than resort to what it described as underground tactics.
“All that is required is for those duly served to respond item by item to the allegations, instead of deploying subterranean moves to subvert the law or using proxies to malign members and the Rivers State House of Assembly in the media,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its stance, the Assembly emphasized its unwavering commitment to constitutionalism and democratic governance in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
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“We remain committed to the Constitution and the rule of law. May God bless our dear Rivers State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, DSSRS, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints.
