The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, has postponed its ruling in the case involving Martin Amaewhule and 24 others against Victor Oko-Jumbo and others. The court decided to deliver its ruling on a later date. The three-man panel of Justices Jimi Olukayode Bada, Hama Barka, and Balkisu Aliyu reached this decision during the hearing on appeal number CA/PHC/198/2024, which was monitored virtually on Thursday.
Amaewhule and 24 others are contesting the temporary order issued by Justice Charles Wali of a State High Court in Port Harcourt. This order affirmed the declaration of their seats in the state House of Assembly as vacant until the suit before the court is resolved.
The High Court also directed Amaewhule and the others to refrain from presenting themselves as members of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Rivers State House of Assembly until the case is fully resolved.
Amaewhule and others, unhappy with the High Court’s decision, turned to the Court of Appeal in the state to request a pause and cancellation of the ruling. During the June 14 session, the court advised both sides to maintain the current state of affairs and recommended the appellant to properly serve all legal documents on the defendant.
Amaewhule, in the suit, is asking for a hold on the High Court’s interim orders and disputing the lower court’s authority to handle the case. However, the court decided to announce its decision on the matter at a later date, which will be communicated to the parties.
