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The Rivers State High Court has nullified the suspension of Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a federal lawmaker representing the Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro constituency in the House of Representatives, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Abiante’s suspension, issued in May by a parallel PDP Ward Caretaker Committee reportedly loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has been a point of contention.
The suspension came amid an ongoing rift between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over control of the party’s political structures in the state.
The lawmaker was accused of anti-party activities, fostering factions within the ward, and associating with groups operating under the guise of PDP. However, Justice G.O. Ollor, delivering judgment on Monday, December 2, ruled that the factional committee lacked the constitutional authority to suspend Abiante.
Justice Ollor emphasized that Abiante’s suspension violated his right to a fair hearing, declaring the action illegal and unconstitutional. Consequently, the suspension was dismissed.
In his reaction, Abiante criticized those behind his suspension, claiming they were not bona fide members of the PDP.
He alleged that their names were absent from the party’s ward register and accused them of being hired to destabilize the progress of Rivers State under Governor Fubara’s administration.
“They will continue to fail,” Abiante stated confidently following the court’s verdict.