PDP Asserts Full Control of Rivers State

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently claimed full control over Rivers State, asserting that all legislators who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lost their seats. According to PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, legal considerations now favor the PDP, as the constitution mandates the vacation of seats for defectors.

The Legal Standing

Ologunagba emphasized that the APC’s claims are merely a mirage, attempting to subvert Nigeria’s constitution by making unintelligent claims about the vacation of seats by former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who switched parties. The PDP argues that the constitution is clear in Section 109 (1) (g), stating that a member of a House of Assembly must vacate their seat if they leave the political party that sponsored their election before the expiration of the term.

Consequences of Defection

With the defection of House of Assembly members to the APC, they are now deemed as ‘former members’ who have effectively lost their seats. Ologunagba urged the APC and the legislators to accept that they will not regain control of Rivers State. The PDP asserts that the former lawmakers vacated their seats by defecting, a move that cannot be reversed or remedied.

Legal Precedent

Quoting the Supreme Court case of Abegunde vs Ondo State House of Assembly and Others, Ologunagba reiterated the clarification that a seat automatically becomes vacant when a member of a Legislative House switches parties. The PDP warns the APC to stay clear of Rivers State and stop attempting to reverse the irreversible consequences of defection.

Conclusion

The PDP cautions the APC against exasperating the public space with futile attempts to take over Rivers State. With vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, the quorum will be determined by the remaining lawmakers until bye-elections fill the vacancies caused by defections. The PDP stands firm in its control of Rivers State, emphasizing the consequences of defection according to the constitution.

In summary, the PDP asserts its full control of Rivers State following the defection of legislators to the APC. Legal provisions clearly state that defectors vacate their seats, and the PDP warns the opposition against attempting to reverse this outcome. With vacant seats in the House of Assembly, the PDP remains confident in its authority over Rivers State. Will the APC heed the warning and accept the reality of the situation? Only time will tell.