The Rivers State House of Assembly has alleged that it uncovered a plot by certain individuals to use some High Courts in the state, particularly those outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division, to undermine the Constitution and obstruct the legislative duties of the Assembly.
The Chairman, Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George in a statement said it received credible information that ex parte court orders were being sought from select courts to illegally halt the House from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
According to the statement, those allegedly behind the move are fully aware of the provisions of Section 272(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which vests jurisdiction in the Federal High Court to determine whether the tenure of a member of a State House of Assembly, a governor, or a deputy governor has ceased or become vacant.
The Assembly also cited Section 188(10) of the Constitution, which bars courts from entertaining or questioning proceedings or determinations of a panel or a House of Assembly on impeachment-related matters.
The lawmakers further noted that recent judicial pronouncements, particularly by the Court of Appeal, had already addressed similar issues involving ex parte orders issued by a Rivers State High Court in contravention of constitutional provisions.
“With the leave of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I call on those concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from acts inimical to the Constitution and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The Assembly urged office holders who have been served with notices of allegations of gross misconduct to respond to the allegations item by item, rather than resorting to what it described as “subterranean moves” or using proxies to malign the Assembly and its members in the media.
The statement reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, while calling for respect for due process in the ongoing political developments in the state.
