RIVERS (Sundiata Post) – Justice Jumbo Stephen of the High Court of Rivers State has barred the Chief Judge of the state, Someone Amadi, from giving effect to any resolution by the 27 defected lawmakers in the state.
The court in a fresh order dated July 8, 2024, further barred the Clerk of the State House of Assembly from acting on their resolutions.
Twenty seven members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Chike Amaewhule, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
There has been a legal battle over the defection of the lawmakers to the opposition party in the state.
The fresh order issued by the court and made available to read: “That an order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the 31st and 32nd defendants from dealing, or howsoever relating with the first to 27th defendants as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and from receiving, forwarding or howsoever acting on any resolutions, articles of impeachment or other documents or communication from the first to 27th defendants pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction already filed herein.
“That the parties to this suit are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante in this suit as of July 5, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction already filed herein.
“An Order is hereby made for substituted service of the originating and other processes in this suit on the first to 30th defendants by pasting the same at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters, opposite former NDDC headquarters, off Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“That this matter is hereby adjourned to July 15, 2024, for the motion on notice for interlocutory
“Lawmakers affected by the order are Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Azeru Opara, Enemi Alabo George, Granville Tekenari Wellington, Ngbar Bernard, John Dominic Iderima, Queen Uwuma Tony Williams, Loolo Isaiah Opuende and Abbey Peter.
“Others are Igwe-Obey Aforii, Justina Emeji, Ignatius Onwuka Defendants, Chimezie Nwankwo, Lemchi Prince Nyeche, Barile Nwakoh, Emilia Lucky Amadi, Nkemjika Ezekwe, Davios Arnold Oxobiriari, Nwankwo Sylvanus, Gerald Oforii and Wami Solomon.”
