Rivers Federal Lawmaker’s Suspension from PDP Overturned by Court

In a landmark judgment, the court nullifies the suspension of a Rivers federal lawmaker from the PDP, emphasizing adherence to constitutional principles and due process.

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has invalidated the alleged suspension of Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the federal lawmaker representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro constituency in the House of Representatives, from the Peoples Democratic Party.

In May, Abiante—an ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and representative of the Governor’s Federal Constituency—was allegedly suspended by a rival PDP Ward Caretaker Executive in his home area of Ward 1, Ngo, Andoni Local Government Area. This faction is reportedly loyal to Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister.

The factional caretaker executive, headed by Chairman Dike Bara and 13 other members, announced the suspension of Abiante due to anti-party activities. They claimed that the federal lawmaker was not only promoting factions at the ward level but also affiliating with a group under the guise of being part of the party.

In a ruling on Monday regarding suit number PHC/1391/CS/2024, involving Hon Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante and Dike Bara along with three others, Justice G.O. Ollor stated that the factional PDP Caretaker Committee does not have the constitutional authority to suspend the National Assembly member.

The Court ruled that the federal lawmaker was not given a fair hearing, emphasizing that any actions taken by Mr. Dike Bara and his colleagues were illegal, unconstitutional, and are therefore dismissed.

In response to the ruling, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the representative for Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro federal constituency, stated that the Court’s decision validated his earlier claim. He affirmed that his alleged suspension from the PDP was executed by individuals who lacked legal authority under the party’s constitution to make such an announcement.

Abiante asserted that the individuals responsible for this action are not affiliated with the PDP and, therefore, lack understanding of the Party’s constitution. He further noted that their actions were part of a scheme by disgruntled politicians to hinder Governor Fubara’s Rivers State Government from delivering essential development to its citizens.

Months ago, I predicted that this illegal action would not hold up because, as a PDP member, I am very familiar with both our party’s Constitution and Nigeria’s. Today’s Court ruling has put further scrutiny on the membership status of those responsible for the unlawful act. Once again, let me emphasize that those who convened in May to make such an announcement are not recognized members of the PDP since their names do not appear in Ward 1’s register in Ngo, Andoni Local Government Area. They were merely hired to hinder development and good governance efforts led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State. Their attempts will continue to be unsuccessful.

He urged his constituents to maintain their support for Governor Fubara, stating that he will keep collaborating with the Governor to improve people’s lives.