A’court nullifies expulsion of 25 pro-Wike lawmakers from Rivers assembly

The court of appeal in Abuja has dismissed the order of a Rivers high court which restrained Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from parading themselves as lawmakers of the state assembly.

A three-member panel of the appellate court led by 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 appeal, which was filed by Amaewhule, factional speaker of the Rivers state house of assembly, and 24 others, sought to vacate the order of a high court in Port Harcourt that restrained them from parading themselves as lawmakers.

On May 30, Charles Wali, the high court judge, restrained the lawmakers in Amaewhule’s faction from conducting legislative sittings anywhere, including within the legislative quarters.

The judge also restrained Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, from interfacing with or accepting resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.

The suit was filed by Victor Oko Jumbo, a factional speaker, and two other lawmakers — Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy. The three legislators are loyal to Fubara.

The court also held that all of the laws made by Amaewhule and others would amount to a nullity until the matter was determined.

The appellants had asked the appeal court to dismiss the judgment of the lower court and nullify the decisions taken by Jumbo’s faction.