Rivers Assembly Speaker’s Defection Suit: Court to Rule April 16 Amid Legal Battle Over Supreme Court Verdict

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has scheduled April 16, 2025, to deliver its ruling on the suit filed by the Labour Party in Rivers State, challenging the alleged defection of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 26 other lawmakers.

Presiding over the case, Justice Emmanuel Obile deferred judgment after legal representatives for both parties concluded their final written submissions. The adjournment follows a fresh application by the defence counsel, Ken Njemanze, SAN, requesting the court to dismiss the suit rather than strike it out.

Njemanze anchored his argument on a recent Supreme Court decision affirming the legitimacy of the lawmakers, insisting that failing to dismiss the case would amount to altering the apex court’s verdict.

Although Labour Party’s counsel, Clifford Chuku, did not object to Njemanze’s oral application, he argued that the issue of defection was a separate matter not explicitly resolved by the Supreme Court. He further urged the court to reject the defence’s request and hear the case based on its merits.

Chuku also raised concerns over the defendants’ affidavit, pointing out that the deponent was a lawyer whose name appeared on the suit, which he claimed violated legal practice.

After considering both arguments, Justice Obile set April 16 for a ruling on the motion.