In a recent development surrounding the Rivers House of Assembly crisis, the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has issued an order for all involved parties to maintain the current status quo. The case, marked CA/PH/198/2024 and involving Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule along with 24 other appellants against Rt Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and five defendants, deals with a contentious leadership tussle within the state assembly.
The appellants’ move to challenge an interlocutory injunction from the Port Harcourt High Court, which favors Oko-Jumbo’s continued role as leader of the assembly, forms the core of this legal battle. Justice Charles Wali of the State High Court had ruled against Amaewhule and the 24 other parties from assuming positions as speaker and lawmakers, further invalidating any legislations passed by their faction until the dispute is fully resolved.
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At a virtual session held on Friday, the Appeal Panel, consisting of Hon. Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, Hon. Justice Hamma Akawu, and Hon. Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu, decided to adjourn the proceeding to July 20, 2024. The judges called for a halt to any action that could compromise the case’s integrity, emphasizing the importance of serving the notice of appeal to the defendants before the next hearing.
