The Court of Appeal, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has nullified the judgment of a Rivers State High Court, declaring seats of the 25 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, vacant.
Justice Charles Wali, had declared the seat of the speaker, Martin Amaewhule, along with the 24 other lawmakers, vacant after they defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
But Appea Court, in its judgement today, said the High Court lacked jurisdiction to determine cases of tenures and vacancies of the House of Assembly, Governors and President.
“Only the Federal High Court and no other court has the jurisdiction to determine cases of tenures and vacancies of the House of Assembly, Governors and President and not the State High Courts (Rivers State High Inclusive).
“From the foregoing, it is of the view of the learned judges that there was no contention on the speakership of Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewule from the records, and therefore, remains the speaker,” Appeal Court
The Appeal Court also ruled that all activities executed by Hon.Oko Jumbo, Speaker loyal to Governor Sim Fubara were null and void.
Details soon