Decision Day: Port Harcourt Court of Appeal to Rule on Legislative Case

 The Port Harcourt Appeal Court is set to announce its decision on Friday, June 14, 2024, in the case brought forward by Martin Amaewhule and twenty-six others against Victor Oko-Jumbo, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This follows a dispute originating from a ruling by Justice Dagogo Jack of the State High Court, favoring Oko-Jumbo and leading to the removal of Amaewhule and his colleagues from their legislative roles.

The initial court decision restrained Amaewhule and the others from engaging in any legislative activities and stripped them of their positions in the State House of Assembly. Subsequently, an interlocutory injunction was granted against them, which forms part of the ongoing appeal process.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the three-judge panel of the Appeal Court, headed by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada, declared their readiness to deliver a verdict on the matter. They instructed all legal representatives to be present in court by 9 a.m. on the specified date.

Should the Appeal Court rule in favor of Amaewhule and his associates, their legislative actions and decisions will be reinstated, allowing them to resume their duties as lawmakers. It is notable that these lawmakers are aligned with Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister.