Legal and Political Implication
The Governor cannot carry on business with those who defected and lost their seats by that act of defection. Until the Supreme Court delivers a verdict or INEC conducts elections for the vacated seats, Governor Fubara is constitutionally bound to transact with the properly constituted House of Assembly.
”The court dismissed the plaintiffs’ request to involve the defected lawmakers in budgetary deliberations, describing the claim as lacking merit. Additionally, Justice Aprioku awarded N500,000 in legal costs against the plaintiffs."
Backdrop of Political Tension
This judgment comes amid mounting political unrest in Rivers State, as the exclusion of the 27 lawmakers has drawn criticism from opposition figures and analysts who warn of potential threats to democratic governance. However, the court underscored that state operations must proceed within the bounds of legality. The ruling allows Governor Fubara to move forward with legislative functions, including presenting budgets, appointing judicial officers, and screening state officials, through the remaining lawmakers.
A Precedent in Rivers State Politics.
The judgment draws parallels with past instances under former Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who conducted state business with fewer than the two-thirds majority required in the Assembly. As the Supreme Court considers the jurisdictional status of the 27 defected lawmakers, the focus now shifts to the practical governance of Rivers State amid this legal and political turbulence.