Chief Edwin Clark, Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, has declared that Martins Amaewhule, the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with 27 other lawmakers, have forfeited their seats due to their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Clark emphasized that their actions contravened constitutional provisions, effectively disqualifying them from holding their positions in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In his statement, Clark accused the lawmakers of perjury, citing discrepancies in their legal filings. “Now that the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and his 27 colleagues have confirmed in a court of law that they defected from the PDP to the APC, they have automatically lost their seats as of December 11, 2023, and are therefore disqualified from bringing any court action on behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly and its members,” he stated.
Read Also: Ahoada calls for more security presence, commends ex-Rivers CP, Disu
Group Urges President Tinubu To Stop Borrowing, Improve Nigeria’s Earning Potential
Clark further criticized their actions, claiming that the group, alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, was actively working to undermine Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to rein in the Minister, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as repeated constitutional violations.
“Nyesom Wike, who is a serving Minister in President Bola Tinubu’s government, has no regard or respect for the Constitution of Nigeria. Mr. President may one day be asked by patriotic Nigerians why he allowed Nyesom Wike to breach the Constitution of Nigeria on several occasions,” Clark asserted.
Additionally, he dismissed a recent judgment allegedly issued by Justice Omotosho, labeling it as fraudulent and void. Clark contended that the three-man panel associated with the case did not issue any valid judgment that could be reviewed by the Court of Appeal. According to him, the case had already lost its legal standing.
Clark Edwin’s criticism emphasizes his view that the rule of law must be upheld and that political actors should be held accountable for constitutional breaches. He also raised concerns about the broader implications of these actions on Nigeria’s democratic framework.
