THE Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit filled by the Labour Party (LP) seeking to declare the seats of 27 Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers accused of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) vacant, citing the judgment of the Supreme Court on the matter.
Justice Emmanuel Obile, in his judgment on Tuesday, April 15, cited a lack of jurisdiction as a result of the apex court ruling of February 28, this year, which held that there was no evidence of the lawmakers’ defection, thereby rendering the issue settled.
The suit, FHC/PH/25/2024, listed the Rivers State House of Assembly, the lawmakers, PDP, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
Justice Obile ruled that the court was bound by Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which mandates adherence to Supreme Court decisions, adding: “The Supreme Court’s judgment is binding on this court. The issue of the lawmakers’ status has been settled and this court lacks jurisdiction to reopen it.”
LP had contended that the lawmakers’ defection to the APC contravened constitutional provisions and warranted their removal.
However, the defendants argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling forestall any further litigation.
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