Falana Insists Rivers Lawmakers Who Defected to APC Have Forfeited Their Seats

Femi Falana (SAN) maintains his stance that the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have forfeited their positions in the legislative body.

Around 25 lawmakers, who were loyal to the former governor of Rivers State and the current Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike, had joined the APC amidst the political deadlock involving Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Falana, a human rights lawyer, had previously stated that these lawmakers would lose their seats for switching parties, and he continues to assert this position. He cited a Supreme Court ruling that emphasizes that one cannot defect and still remain a member of a legislative house in Nigeria, unless there is a division within the party.

Falana also highlighted the absence of such a division within the PDP. A new crisis emerged in the Rivers State Assembly when some lawmakers elected Victor Oko-Jumbo as the speaker, with Oko-Jumbo being supported by lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara.

However, Falana argued that a quorum is required for the election of a speaker, as stated in the Constitution. He further emphasized that a two-thirds majority of the legislature is necessary for the removal of a governor through impeachment.