Court Nullifies Suspension Of Rivers Federal Lawmaker From PDP

Awaji-Inombek Abiante

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has nullified the suspension of the federal lawmaker representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro federal constituency, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abiante, an ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was suspended in May by a parallel PDP Ward Caretaker Executive loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The faction, led by Dike Bara in Ngo Ward 1, Andoni Local Government Area, accused Abiante of anti-party activities, including promoting factions and supporting groups under the guise of the party.

In its judgment in case PHC/1391/CS/2024, Justice G.O. Ollor declared the suspension unconstitutional and ruled that the caretaker committee lacked the authority to suspend a National Assembly member. The court found that Abiante was denied a fair hearing and dismissed all actions taken by the factional group as illegal.

Reacting to the ruling, Abiante said the court's decision vindicated his stance that his suspension was baseless and orchestrated by individuals without proper standing in the PDP. He described the action as a plot by "disgruntled politicians" to disrupt Governor Fubara’s administration and hinder development in Rivers State.

“I had said it months back that this illegal action won’t stand because as a member of the PDP, I’m well acquainted with the Constitution of our great party and that of Nigeria. Today’s ruling by the Court has further challenged the membership status of those behind the illegal action,” Abiante stated.

He added, “Let me once again reiterate that those who sat and made the announcement in May are not members of the PDP because their names are nowhere written in the PDP Register of Ward 1, Ngo, Andoni Local Government. These are people hired to be a clog in the wheel of development and good governance in Rivers State championed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They will continue to fail.”