Court of Appeal Nullifies Removal of Pro-Wike Rivers State House of Assembly Members

The Court of Appeal based in Abuja has made a significant ruling nullifying the removal of Martin Amaewhule and 24 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. These members were known to be loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike.

The Appeal Court determined that the ex parte order issued by the High Court did not hold merit, citing that the lower court was within its rights to issue such an order. The court proceedings were temporarily adjourned on June 20, 2024, after all parties involved in the case had presented their arguments.

During the virtual court session, Martin Amaewhule and the 24 other members petitioned the court to halt the execution of the High Court’s ruling that had ousted them from office and to cease any further proceedings in the case. They also sought to overrule any decisions made by Victor Oko Jumbo during his tenure as Speaker.

In response, Victor Oko Jumbo urged the court to dismiss the appeal, emphasizing that the transmitted records of the appeal were incompetent. Following the arguments presented by both parties’ legal representatives, the three-man panel, led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada, reserved judgment.

On Thursday, July 4, the appellate court rendered its judgment, overturning the decision of the state high court that prevented the assembly members from accessing the legislative complex or carrying out their legislative duties under the name of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Appeal Court stated that only the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over such matters, not the state high court, referencing Section 273 of the 1999 Constitution. The three-man panel, led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada, upheld the appeal filed by Martin Amaewhule and the other members against Victor Oko-Jumbo and two others.

Conclusively, the Appeal Court’s ruling disallowed any court from accepting the matter until a decision is reached, bringing clarity to the legal battle surrounding the membership status of the Rivers State House of Assembly.