In a recent legal battle involving the defection of 27 PDP lawmakers to the APC in Rivers State, the Rivers State High Court, led by Justice Charles Wali, issued a significant ruling on May 30, 2024. The court ordered Martins Chike Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers to cease functioning as speaker and members of the state’s legislative arm. This order included a directive to stop conducting legislative sittings anywhere, including within the legislative quarters, pending the outcome of the ongoing suit.
Amaewhule and his colleagues approached the apex court to vacate the Interlocutory Injunction issued by the High Court in Port Harcourt, which authorized Oko-Jumbo to continue leading the state assembly. However, the appellate court, in a virtual ruling delivered on a recent Friday, maintained the status quo, refusing to overturn the High Court’s decision that declared their seats vacant. The appellate court indicated that reversing the Federal High Court’s decision would amount to prejudging the appeal currently under consideration.
The National Vanguard for Rule of Law (NVRL) praised the appellate court’s decision, emphasizing that it upheld judicial integrity and prevented potential misconduct by the former lawmakers. Comrade Johnson Babatunde, in a statement, expressed that the ruling has renewed confidence in the judiciary and urged Nigerians to support judges who render fair and just decisions. Babatunde highlighted the importance of sound judicial judgments in fostering a better Nigeria.