Why the Court of Appeal Overturned the Expulsion of 25 Pro-Wike Lawmakers
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the order from a Rivers State High Court that prohibited 25 State House Assembly members from parading themselves as lawmakers.
Martin Amaewhule, a fractional Speaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly, and 24 others were barred by the High Court in the State from conducting legislative sittings anywhere, including within the legislative quarters. The ruling by the lower court also stated that the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was not to entertain or accept any resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.
Victor Oko Jumbo, another factional speaker, along with Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, who are legislators aligned with Fubara, filed the lawsuit.
However, in a new ruling by a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada, the court 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, has now vacated the order of a high court in Port Harcourt that restrained them from parading themselves as lawmakers.
