Former Rivers State Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule and 24 others challenge their removal in Abuja's Court of Appeal, seeking to nullify the high court's decision. The appeal aims to suspend actions by the new speaker pending a final judgment, highlighting jurisdictional disputes in legislative leadership.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has deferred its judgment in the appeal brought by Martin Amaewhule, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and 24 others against Victor Oko-Jumbo and five others.
The appeal seeks to overturn a Rivers State High Court decision removing them from office and declaring their seats vacant. During the virtual session, Amaewhule's legal team urged the court to suspend the implementation of the high court ruling, halt further actions, and invalidate decisions made by Oko-Jumbo while in office. They argued that the trial court had exceeded its jurisdiction.
The three-man panel led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada reserved judgment after hearing arguments from both sides, scheduling the verdict's announcement for a later date. The appellate court also instructed that no other court, including the State High Court, should intervene in the matter pending its final decision. This appeal follows a ruling by the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt that ousted Amaewhule and his colleagues from office, barring them from legislative activities.
The dispute arose when Victor Jumbo and others filed a motion declaring Amaewhule's seat vacant, a decision upheld by Justice Charles Wali in an ex parte ruling. Amaewhule and his associates promptly turned to the Court of Appeal to challenge the high court's ruling, seeking redress and restoration to their legislative roles pending the appeal's outcome.
