The National Assembly has written the Inspector General of Police seeking to stop pro and anti-Amaechi lawmakers from sitting in the House of Assembly, even as it appeals a judgment by a Federal High Court preventing it from usurping the legislative functions of the Rivers House of Assembly.
The police had barricaded the State House of Assembly yesterday, preventing both sides from gaining entrance into the house. However, sources monitoring the situation reported that Evans Bipi, the self-styled Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, had sought audience with Rivers Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu. He reportedly informed the police chief that he had the signature of over 25 members of the House to convene a session.
The National Assembly, in its letter to the Inspector General, Mohammed Abubakar, stated, “We refer to our letter of yesterday (11/12/2013) in respect of the above matter.
“We are glad to learn that your officers in Rivers State prevented some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from sitting in the parliament today(12/12/13) on the ground that a copy of the Judgment has not been presented to the police.
“It thus means that the judgment of the Court has not been executed in any way. Meanwhile, shortly after the judgment, we filed an appeal along with a motion for stay of execution and an injunction.
“We caused the two processes to be served on your office yesterday vide our letter dated 11th December, 2013
“The implication of the two processes is that effect cannot be given to the judgment delivered yesterday (11/12/13) until the motion filed by us is disposed of.
“We are fortified in holding this view by the immortal words of Eso JSC (of Blessed Memory) where, in the case of Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu(1986) 1NWLR Part 18 pg. 621 particularly at pg. 634, he said the following:
“They have no right to take the matter into their own hands once the Court was seized of it. The essence of the Rule of Law is that it should never operate under the Rule of force or fear…”
“With the Court seized of the Motion for Stay and Injunction, the status quo is to be maintained pending the disposal of the motion.
“We will be urging you to be guided accordingly and we also plead with you to give necessary instructions to that effect to your appropriate officers in Rivers State against the rumour that there is a plan to open the parliament for a faction by next Tuesday.
“We thank you for your understanding and kindly accept the assurances of our highest esteem at all times.”
The letter was signed by counsel to the National Assembly, Ahmed Raji (SAN).