PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by individuals linked to the executive arm of government to cripple its legislative duties through a court injunction.
The Assembly said it uncovered moves to secure an ex-parte court order from a High Court outside Port Harcourt Judicial Division to stop lawmakers from performing their constitutional responsibilities.
In a statement issued by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, the lawmakers described the alleged plot as “dead on arrival,” insisting it violates the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to the Assembly, the move runs contrary to Sections 272(3) and 188(10) of the Constitution and existing Court of Appeal judgments on similar matters.
Dr. George said the House had credible information that some persons were shopping for court orders to illegally halt legislative proceedings, despite clear constitutional provisions that bar courts from interfering in such matters.
He urged the governor and deputy governor, who have been served with notices of alleged gross misconduct, to face the issues squarely by responding to the allegations rather than seeking legal shortcuts.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly has received information of plots by certain persons to use some Rivers State High Courts, especially outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division, to issue ex-parte orders to illegally stop the House from performing its constitutional duties,” George said.
He noted that the Constitution clearly states that issues relating to the tenure of the governor, deputy governor or lawmakers fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, adding that matters relating to impeachment proceedings cannot be entertained by any court.
The lawmakers also referenced recent Court of Appeal pronouncements which nullified similar ex-parte orders issued in Rivers State, warning that those behind the alleged plot were fully aware of the legal implications.
The Assembly called on those involved to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law, stressing that democracy thrives only when constitutional provisions are obeyed.
Lawmakers further warned against the use of proxies to malign the Assembly in the media, insisting that the proper and lawful step is for affected officeholders to respond to the allegations of gross misconduct item by item.
Reaffirming its commitment to the Constitution and democratic principles, the House expressed optimism for peace and stability in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
