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In a judicial twist amid the Rivers State Assembly crisis, Justice Abdulmalik from the Federal High Court in Abuja issues a directive for all involved parties to maintain the status quo until February 28. This decision arises from an application filed by six elders of the state, including members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, aiming to curtail Governor Siminalayi Fubara from resubmitting the already approved 2024 state budget to the legislative house.
The intricate legal battle unfolds with a backdrop of political defections, as the application seeks the court’s declaration of the seats of 27 lawmakers who shifted allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as vacant. The court’s attention is drawn to the heart of the matter through a 19-paragraph affidavit, intricately detailing the lawmakers’ defection and their newfound loyalty to former Governor Nyesom Wike. This shift in allegiance prompts their relocation and initiation of separate proceedings, adding complexity to the already tumultuous political landscape.
The looming date of February 28 adds a sense of anticipation, as the court gears up to delve into the intricacies of the application and the broader implications it carries for the political dynamics in Rivers State. This legal saga intertwining legislative proceedings, budget presentations, and political affiliations underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by the state, leaving both legal and political enthusiasts on the edge of their seats awaiting the court’s decision on this consequential matter.
