Tension As Wike-Backed Lawmakers Dare Fubara’s Faction, Hold Sitting Despite Threat To Throw Them Into Prison

Lawmakers loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike conducted a closed-door plenary session yesterday amid heavy security at the Assembly Complex on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, defying a court order.

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had previously issued a restraining order against the lawmakers, preventing them from holding any sitting until the resolution of a lawsuit filed by factional Speaker Edison Ehie and his group.

In the face of the court’s directive, on November 22, the court warned Amaewhule and Deputy Speaker Dumle Mao, leaders of the 27 lawmakers who opposed Governor Fubara, that they could be imprisoned if they disregarded the court’s instructions on the Assembly crisis. The warning was issued in Form 48, endorsed by Justice Phoebe Ayua, titled: “Notice of Consequences of Disobedience of Order of Court.”

The addressed form to Amaewhule and Mao stated, “Take notice that unless you obey the directions contained in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.” Despite this, on November 20, the Amaewhule-led lawmakers convened at the Assembly complex under police protection and discussed various issues.

During the recent closed-door plenary which held yesterday, the lawmakers accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of withholding funds designated for the House of Assembly’s operations in November. Amaewhule, representing Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, conveyed this information during the plenary session.