Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has dismissed the order of a Rivers State High Court which restrained Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from parading themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Amaewhule is the factional speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
Recall that Justice Charles Wali of the Rivers State High Court had on May 30 this year restrained lawmakers in the Amaewhule faction from conducting legislative sittings anywhere, including within the legislative quarters.
Ruling on a suit filed by a factional speaker of the Rivers Assembly, Victor Oko Jumbo, and two other lawmakers — Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, who are loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara – Justice Wali also restrained Governor Fubara from interfacing with or accepting resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.
The court also held that all laws made by Amaewhule and others would amount to a nullity until the matter was determined.
However, delivering judgement in an appeal filed by Amaewhule and the 24 other lawmakers on the matter on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada held that the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, as such matters can only be heard and determined before a federal high court.
The appellants had asked the appeal court to dismiss the judgment of the lower court and nullify the decisions taken by Jumbo’s faction.
