JUSTICE Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a defection suit against 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who are aligned with Minister Nyesom Wike.
The Action People’s Party (APP) sought to replace these lawmakers, alleging their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Lifu however ruled the suit was statute-barred, as it was filed eight months after the defection allegedly occurred in December of the previous year, well beyond the 14-day period stipulated by law.
Additionally, the judge noted that the case represented a misuse of court resources, citing previous rulings where similar allegations against the lawmakers had already been resolved. He referenced a judgment by Justice James Omotosho, which barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from declaring the lawmakers’ seats vacant or conducting new elections.
Justice Lifu emphasized that since this earlier ruling remains unchallenged, it is binding and should not be revisited by his court. He concluded that entertaining the case would be a waste of judicial resources.
