A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued an injunction restraining the Speaker of the state Assembly, loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, and 24 other lawmakers from parading as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The order was given by Justice Charles N. Wali in suit number PHC/1512/CS/2024, filed by Victor Oko Jumbo (Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly), Sokari Goodboy, and Orubienimigha Timothy, members of the Assembly. The suit is against Martin Amaewhule and 24 others, the Governor of Rivers State, the Attorney General of the state, and the Chief Judge of the state.
Following a motion ex parte, Justice Wali ordered that Amaewhule and the other 24 lawmakers cease from acting as legislators, as their seats have been declared vacant due to their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court also ordered the Rivers State government to stop dealing with the said lawmakers, as their legislative seats have been vacant since December 13, 2023.
The order reads: “An Order of interim injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of Rivers State House of Assembly…their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”
The court adjourned the case until May 29 for a Motion on Notice.