The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has declared the suspension of Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a federal lawmaker representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as null and void. Abiante, a close ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was suspended by a parallel PDP Ward Caretaker Executive in May. This executive, led by Dike Bara and 13 others, was loyal to the former Governor Nyesom Wike. The suspension was reportedly due to Abiante’s alleged involvement in anti-party activities, including promoting factions within the party at the ward level.
The court ruling, delivered by Justice G.O. Ollor, emphasized that the factional PDP Caretaker Committee lacked the constitutional authority to suspend a National Assembly member. The judge noted that Abiante had not been given a fair hearing, making the actions of Bara and his colleagues illegal and unconstitutional. The court dismissed the suspension and reaffirmed Abiante’s standing as a member of the PDP.
Reacting to the court's decision, Abiante expressed satisfaction, claiming that the ruling vindicated his earlier assertion that the suspension was orchestrated by individuals without the legal standing to act on behalf of the party. He further stated that these individuals were not members of the PDP and lacked any knowledge of its constitution. Abiante suggested that the suspension was part of a wider political plot by disgruntled elements seeking to destabilize the administration of Governor Fubara and hinder development in the state.
Abiante reaffirmed his commitment to working with Governor Fubara to bring about positive changes for the people of Rivers State. He urged his constituents to continue their support for the Governor, promising to collaborate closely to improve governance and development in the region.
