Rivers Crisis: Court Reserves Judgment In Amaewhule's Appeal

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 24 other assembly members. This appeal is against the current Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and five others.

The Rivers State High Court had previously issued an order preventing Amaewhule from presenting himself as the Speaker. This ruling, delivered on May 10, 2024, declared Amaewhule's seat, along with those of 24 other members, vacant. This decision was made after a motion brought by Victor Oko-Jumbo, the new Speaker, and two others. Justice Charles Wali's ruling barred the ousted members from accessing the assembly complex or conducting any legislative activities.

The appellate court's decision to reserve judgment follows a virtual hearing where all parties adopted their briefs. Amaewhule and his co-appellants are seeking a stay of execution of the high court judgment and want all decisions made by Oko-Jumbo during this period to be set aside. They argue that the trial court acted without jurisdiction and request an accelerated hearing.

In response, Oko-Jumbo's team urged the appellate court to dismiss the appeal, citing incompetency in the records transmitted.

The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada, had earlier ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and cease hostilities until the appeal is resolved. This order came on June 14, in response to a motion ex parte from the appellants seeking to reverse the high court judgment.

The appellate court has reserved its judgment and will communicate the decision date to the parties involved. Meanwhile, all further proceedings in the case remain halted, and no other court may entertain the matter until the appeal is concluded.