The supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara and Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday interpreted the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division on the vacancy of the seats of Hon. Martins Amaewhule and 24 other Rivers State House of Assembly differently.
While Fubara supporters maintain that Hon. Oko-Jumbo remains the authentic Speaker, Wike’s supporters claim that Amaewhule, who presided over the affairs of Rivers Assembly when the crisis broke out has been reinstated by the Court of Appeal.
Although there has not been an official reaction from both camps following the Appeal Court judgement, their supporters have been battling online, interpreting the judgement in manners that suit the choice of speaker.
The main claim put forth by Fubara’s supporters is that despite the Appeal Court not deciding on the alleged decamping of Amaewhule and others, their seat remains vacant pending when a Federal High Court, which the Appeal Court says has the jurisdiction to entertain such matter handles it.
They also claimed that there was no time that the Appeal Court reversed the position of the speaker from Oko-Jumbo to Amaewhule, arguing that it is only when the Federal High Court, which the Appeal Court has referred the matter to takes a final decision on the matter.
Still, Fubara’s supporters online also claimed that the defection of Amaewhule and others is not in contention; that they truly moved from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that because the Appeal Court did not comment on it does not mean that they didn’t defect.
But Wike’s supporters who are behind Amaewhule, are of the position that the Court of Appeal upheld the appeal of Amaewhule and 24 others challenging the decision of the Rivers State High Court, which declared Oko-Jumbo as speaker.
They also claimed that since the Appeal Court did not back the decision of a Rivers State High Court presided by Justice C.N. Wali to restrain Amaewhule and 24 others
from performing any legislative function, while declaring their seats vacant, it means that Amaewhule automatically regains his speakership and continues to act as a lawmaker with the 24 others.
“Since the Rivers State High Court lacks the jurisdiction to trial the matter, whatever decision it took on the matter is of no effect and is hereby declared null and void,” declared a Wike supporter online.
Another supporter, in a WhatsApp post, wrote: “All those screened by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo are as follows: Commissioners, Caretaker Committee Chairmen, Board members
Going by the Appeal Court Judgment today, They remain invalid. As the court pleases…”
But a Fubara supporter, also reacted, saying, “No need celebrating…my dear brother, Victor Oko-Jumbo will still be your speaker until further notice.”