A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has affirmed that Martin Amaewhule and 26 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly remain members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Delivering the judgment on Monday, Justice Okogbule Gbasam declared that the claimants failed to prove that Amaewhule and the 26 other lawmakers had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). “Membership of a party is only proven by being listed on the party’s register or by holding a membership card,” Justice Gbasam stated. “Television ceremonies and verbal statements are insufficient to demonstrate party affiliation.”
The PDP had filed a motion to join the case and was added as the fourth defendant. Justice Gbasam emphasized that the Rivers state government must obey all laws passed by the Assembly since the lawmakers remain in the PDP.
“Their names are still in the PDP’s membership register, as provided by the party,” he affirmed, adding that the lawmakers have not lost their seats.
