Appeal Court Sacks 16 PDP Assembly Members In Rivers State
Sixteen out of the thirty-two members of the Rivers House of Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have lost their appeal in the Appellate Court against the nullification of their elections at the Election Petition Tribunal.
According to the judgment of the Appeal Court, the election conducted for the affected lawmakers did not substantially comply with the Electoral law, and therefore the petitions levied by Hope Barango-Tariah of APC and others were upheld.
It was learnt that in Asari Toru constituency 1, Hope Barango-Tariah of APC won against Granville Wellington of PDP. Similarly, in Asari Toru Constituency 2, Emeni George (PDP) lost to Godstime Ben-Horsefall of APC.
The PDP lawmaker representing Ahoada-East 2 lost his appeal to the challenger, Ibiso Nwuche of APC,and in Akuku-Toru constituency one,Jack Major of PDP lost his appeal to challenge of Ineye Jack of APC.
Ikuinyi .O.Ibani,the immediate past Speaker of the House who represents Andoni constituency lost his appeal against the challenge of Romnsan Dressman of APC. The representative of Degema constituency, Farah Dagogo,lost his appeal against the challenge Eldred Braide of APC.
Golden Ben Chioma of APC triumphed over Tonye U.Ejiogu of PDP representing Etche constituency 2.
Other PDP lawmakers who lost include; Oguguo Anslem representing Ikwerre.He lost his appeal against Azubuike Wanjoku of APC. Dinebari Loolo of Khana constituency 2 had the earlier nullification of his mandate upheld by the Court of Appeal affirming the deposition of Friday Nkee of APC.
Martin Amaehule of PDP representing Obio/Akpor constituency One lost his attempt retain his mandate as contested by Collins Ordu of APC.
Michael. O Chinda of PDP representing Obio/Akpor constituency 2 also fell in the challenge posed by Belief Wali of APC. Evans Bipi, an aide to Mrs Patience Jonathan, the Wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan could not hold on to his seat at Ogu/Bolo. He lost to Williams I. S. Enos of APC.
More cases are still pending before the Court of Appeal as regards the Rivers State House of Assembly elections.