By Tonye Clinton Jaja
Scientists say that in addition to other factors, genetics is a predominant reason for the emergence of twins.
Going by this logic, it appears that there is something in the DNA and genetics of Rivers State that favours the emergence of twins within the legislative sector of governance.
To put it more accurately, it appears that the DNA and genetics of Rivers State legislators that is predisposed to production of twin legislatures and twin caucuses both at the National Assembly level and at the State House of Assembly level.
Apart from the twin Rivers State Houses of Assembly that is alleged to exist, the Rivers State Caucus at the National Assembly, Abuja is now alleged to also exist as a twin caucus.
On Monday 24th February 2025, an online newspaper reported that:
“The Rivers State lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Monday paid a solidarity visit to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, reaffirming their unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.
The visit comes after a press conference held by some Rivers State National Assembly members in support of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and his group, referred to as the “Committee of Former Lawmakers.”
Led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante of the Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, the Rivers State NASS Caucus dismissed claims that the judgment of Justice James Omotosho reinstated Amaewhule and his 26 colleagues.
The lawmakers maintained that: “Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 26 others lost their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly following their voluntary defection on December 11, 2023. Their cross-carpeting happened on the floor of the House in full public view.”
Hon. Abiante cited multiple Supreme Court rulings, emphasizing that Section 109(1)(g) and Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution make it clear that:
“Any elected lawmaker who defects from the political party under which they were elected automatically loses their seat.”
He added that since the Supreme Court’s rulings on similar cases have not been overturned, they remain the legal precedent in Nigeria.”
A week earlier, on Monday 17th February 2025, we also read another online newspaper that reported as follows:
“Rivers Assembly Crisis: NASS Caucus Pays Solidarity Visit To Amaewhule Led RSHA
Nigeria Politics
By Nelson Obinna On Feb 17, 2025
…Urges Fubara To Execute Court Judgment
… As Amaewhule Accuses Fubara Of Financial Reckless
Advertisement
The Rivers State Caucus of the National Assembly paid a solidarity visit to Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule in Port Harcourt on Monday, where they called on the Executive Arm led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to execute the judgment of the Court of Appeal, affirming Amaewhule and 27 lawmakers as the only Rivers State House of Assembly.
Reading their position in a statement signed by Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Sen. Barinada Mpigi, and Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, the caucus expressed concern over the deliberate distortion of facts and judgments of courts by the Governor of Rivers State.
The statement noted that the Governor had procured the services of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, including Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, to misinterpret judgments of court…”
It appears that PBAT does not want this genetics of twins to be transferred and replicated in the Lagos State House of Assembly that is the reason why he has conscripted Elder statesmen like Akande and Osoba to resolve the issue of who is the authentic Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly!!!
Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja,
Executive Director,
Nigerian Law Society (NLS).
