The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reached a pivotal moment in the legal battle involving Martin Amaewhule, a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and 24 others, against the current Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and five other respondents. The appeal, which seeks to contest a High Court judgment that ousted Amaewhule and his colleagues from office, concluded its proceedings with a reserved judgment pending.
During the virtual session held on Thursday, the appellants vehemently argued for a stay of execution on the High Court’s ruling and requested a halt to further proceedings related to their removal from office. They also sought the annulment of any decisions made by Victor Oko-Jumbo during his tenure as Speaker. Central to their plea was the assertion that the initial court order lacked jurisdiction and was therefore invalid.
In response, the legal team representing Victor Oko-Jumbo and the other respondents urged the appellate court to dismiss the appeal, contending that the records submitted by the appellants were flawed and insufficient.
After considering the arguments presented by both sides, the three-man panel chaired by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada decided to reserve the date for delivering the judgment, which would be communicated to all parties involved in due course.
Earlier, on June 14, the Court of Appeal had issued a directive instructing all parties to maintain the status quo and refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions until a final decision on the matter was reached. This order was issued in response to an urgent motion filed by the appellants seeking to overturn the High Court’s ruling that declared their legislative seats vacant.
Furthermore, the appellate court explicitly prohibited the State High Court from adjudicating on the matter until it had been fully resolved by the Court of Appeal, emphasizing the significance of its jurisdiction in overseeing the case.
The legal saga stems from a ruling by the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt on May 10, 2024, which effectively barred Martin Amaewhule from continuing in his role as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This decision was made following a motion ex parte brought by Victor Jumbo and two others, who argued that Amaewhule’s seat had been rightfully declared vacant.
Justice Charles Wali, presiding over the State High Court, not only upheld the declaration but also prohibited the other 24 Assembly members from entering the legislative complex or engaging in any official legislative duties on behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In response to the unfavorable ruling, Martin Amaewhule and his colleagues promptly sought redress from the Court of Appeal, setting the stage for the ongoing legal contestation.
The proceedings have underscored the contentious nature of political transitions and power struggles within legislative bodies, highlighting the critical role of the judiciary in arbitrating such disputes. As the appellate court prepares to deliver its judgment, both sides await the outcome that could potentially reshape the leadership dynamics of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
