Rivers State Government to Appeal Court Ruling on State Allocation

In a significant development, the Rivers State Government has announced its decision to appeal the recent Court of Appeal ruling regarding the state’s allocation. This move follows the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of the governor’s appeal against the Federal High Court’s judgment in a suit filed by Martin Amaewhule and 26 others, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

*Background of the Case*

The suit, filed by Amaewhule and 26 others, challenged the Rivers State Government’s decision to declare their seats vacant following their defection from the PDP to the APC. The Federal High Court ruled in their favor, and the state government appealed the decision.

*Court of Appeal Ruling*

The Court of Appeal’s ruling, delivered on [date], dismissed the state government’s appeal, sparking concerns about the implications for the state’s governance and politics.

*Rivers State Government’s Reaction*

In a statement released by the state government, it expressed concerns that the ruling has been misinterpreted, leading to false claims that Amaewhule and the 26 others remain members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The defection of Amaewhule and others automatically disqualified them from their positions as members of the state House of Assembly, as stated in Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution,” the statement read.

*Appeal to Supreme Court*

The state government has directed its lawyers to file an appeal against the Court of Appeal’s judgment to the Supreme Court and to request a stay of execution of the judgment. This move aims to maintain the status quo and ensure that the state’s allocation is not compromised.

*Implications and Reactions*

Political analysts and citizens have expressed concerns about the potential implications of the ruling on the state’s governance and politics.

“This ruling has far-reaching consequences for the stability of the state’s government,” said Dr. Festus Adeniyi, a political analyst. “The appeal to the Supreme Court is a necessary step to clarify the law and ensure the rule of law prevails.”

*Conclusion*

The Rivers State Government’s decision to appeal the Court of Appeal ruling highlights the ongoing tensions between the state government and the defected lawmakers. As the case progresses to the Supreme Court, the people of Rivers State await clarity on the fate of their representatives and the implications for the state’s governance.