The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has nullified the suspension of Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the federal lawmaker representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro federal constituency, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The suspension, announced in May by a factional PDP Ward Caretaker Executive loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had accused Abiante of anti-party activities.
The faction, led by Dike Bara, alleged that the lawmaker promoted factions within the party and belonged to a splinter group under the guise of the PDP.
However, in a judgment delivered on Monday in suit no: PHC/1391/CS/2024, Justice G.O. Ollor ruled that the factional Caretaker Committee lacked the constitutional authority to suspend a National Assembly member.
Justice Ollor declared, “The federal lawmaker was not given a fair hearing. Any action carried out by Mr. Dike Bara and his colleagues is illegal, unconstitutional, and stands dismissed.”
Reacting to the ruling, Abiante expressed satisfaction, stating that the court’s decision had vindicated his position.
He maintained that the suspension was orchestrated by individuals with no legal standing within the PDP.
He said, “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 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.