A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has annulled the suspension of the federal lawmaker representing Andoni Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Mr. Awaji Inombek Abiante from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The suspension was announced in May by the PDP ward interim chairman, a faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who accused Abiante of anti-party activities.
The faction led by Mr. Dyke Bala alleged that the lawmaker promotes factionalism within the party and belongs to a splinter group masquerading as the PDP.
However, in a judgment handed down on Monday in case number: PHC/1391/CS/2024, Justice GO Ollor ruled that the Faction Management Committee had no constitutional power to suspend MPs. was lowered.
“The members of Congress were not afforded a fair hearing, and any actions taken by Mr. Dyke Barra and his colleagues are illegal, unconstitutional, and dismissed,” Judge Oler wrote.
Aviante expressed satisfaction with the ruling, saying the court’s decision vindicated his position.
He claimed that the suspension was orchestrated by individuals with no legal status within the PDP.
He said: “As a member of the PDP and knowing our great party and the constitution of Nigeria very well, I have been saying for months that this illegal act will not be tolerated. Today’s ruling by the court is , further calling into question the membership of those behind the illegal activities.
“I repeat once again, those who sat and announced in May are not members of the PDP as their names are not written anywhere in the PDP register of Andoni Municipality, Go City Ward 1. These are the people hired to undermine the development and good governance of Rivers State championed by Governor Siminalai Hubala. They will continue to fail.”
He called on voters to maintain their support for Governor Fuhara, and said he would continue to work with him to improve the lives of the people of the prefecture.
