The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has declared the suspension of Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the federal lawmaker representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, as null and void.
Abiante, a close ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was allegedly suspended in May by a parallel Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward caretaker committee loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, in Ward 1, Ngo, Andoni Local Government Area.
The factional committee, led by Chairman Dike Bara and 13 others, accused Abiante of anti-party activities, alleging he was promoting factions at the ward level and participating in unauthorized groups under the guise of the party.
However, in a ruling on Monday in suit no. PHC/1391/CS/2024, Justice G.O. Ollor stated that the factional PDP caretaker committee lacked the constitutional authority to suspend Abiante.
The court noted that the lawmaker was not granted a fair hearing and declared all actions taken by Dike Bara and his group illegal and unconstitutional.
In response to the judgment, Abiante asserted that the court’s decision validated his stance that his suspension was unlawful, carried out by individuals lacking the authority under the PDP constitution.
He emphasized that those responsible for the suspension are not legitimate members of the PDP and accused them of attempting to undermine the Fubara administration’s efforts to bring development to 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. 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.”
He therefore called on his constituents to sustain their support for Governor Fubara, saying he will continue to synergise with the Governor to better the lives of the people.