Court affirms Amaewhule, 24 others as Rivers lawmakers

The Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly

The court voided the state High Court order restraining the 25 lawmakers, known as G-25, from parading themselves as Assembly members.

There was jubilation in the camp of Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Minister Nyesom Wike, following the judgment.

Also hailing the verdict, the All Progressives Congress (APC) described it as the triumph of the rule of law.

The chairman of Emohua local government, Chidi Lloyd, said the judgment has invalidated the inauguration of the local government caretaker committees by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Oko-Jumbo had approached the High court to seek an interim injunction against Amaewhule and 24 others from further conduct of legislative duties, having left the party on which platform they were elected for another party.

Oko-Jumbo also prayed the court to legally declare their seats vacant.

The court granted the prayers and ordered that Amaewhule and his colleagues should stop parading themselves as Rivers lawmakers and not conduct legislative business.

Dissatisfied with the order, the 25 lawmakers challenged the jurisdiction of the High court at the Appeal Court.