Court Adjourns As Defense Counsel Declared Critical Documents Missing From Case File In Rivers Assembly Defection Case

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned the case challenging the legitimacy of Martin Amaewhule as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with 26 other lawmakers, following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The suit, filed by Victor Oko Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy Sokari, and Adolphus T. Orubienimigha, argues that Amaewhule and the other defecting lawmakers have vacated their seats by switching political parties.

The plaintiffs contend that their defection violates constitutional provisions governing the tenure of elected representatives. During Wednesday’s proceedings, Amaewhule’s counsel, Ferdinand Orbih, disclosed that crucial documents necessary for the defense were missing from the court’s file.

The defense requested an adjournment to locate the documents, and the court granted their request. The adjournment was unopposed by the plaintiffs’ legal team. As a result, the case has been deferred to February 17, 2025, when all pending processes will be adopted, provided the missing documents are recovered.

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The court’s decision to adjourn highlights the procedural importance of complete documentation in such high-stakes legal disputes. The missing files add another layer of complexity to a case that could significantly impact the political dynamics of Rivers State.