The battle for the control of the soul of Rivers State politics has taken a new twist, following the judgment of a Rivers State High Court, which affirmed that the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers, who are allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesome Wike, as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Delivering judgement in Port Harcourt on Monday, Justice Okogbule Gbasam held that the claimants failed to prove that Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Gbasam further held that membership of a party is only proven by being listed on the party’s register, or by membership card, adding that television ceremonies and, or verbal statements, were not enough to show the same.

The PDP had filed a motion to be joined in the case, and was added as the fourth defendant.

Justice Gbasam further held that the Rivers State government is bound to obey all laws passed by the Assembly, as they are still members of the PDP, hence, their names are still in the PDP’s membership register as provided by the party.