ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara, have filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against a Court of Appeal ruling that invalidated a State High Court decision.
The State High Court had previously affirmed their positions as Speaker and lawmakers.
The Appeal Court’s judgment stated that Justice Charles Wali lacked jurisdiction over the state legislature’s matter.
Speaking during a legislative session at a temporary facility in Port Harcourt, Jumbo emphasised their belief that the Appeal Court erred in its decision.
He asserted his continued role as Speaker, arguing against the validity of a High Court order that barred them from office after they defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023.
He said, “There cannot be two Houses of Assembly in Rivers State or indeed any State in Nigeria. This House of Assembly, with me as the Speaker, is the ONLY House of Assembly in Rivers State.
“As the whole world knows, on the 11th day of December, 2023, Martin Amaewhule and his 24 friends defected from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressive Congress, APC.
“On the 13th Day of December, 2023, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, declared the seats of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others in the RSHA vacant. That declaration by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie has not been set aside by any court in Nigeria.
“Yesterday, the 4th of July, 2024, the Court of Appeal, in its lead Judgement, allowed the Appeal by Martin Ameawhule & 24 ORS on the ground that the Rivers State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear and determine the case.
“Accordingly, the Court of Appeal struck out Suit No. PHC/1512/CS/2024 and NOTHING MORE. The Court of Appeal did not make any declaration that Martin Amaewhule & 24 ORS did not defect from the PDP to APC.
“The Court of Appeal also did not make any declaration that Martin Amaewhule and 24 ORS are still members of the RSHA. We strongly believe that the Court of Appeal was in error when it held that the Rivers State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear and determine SUIT NO PHC/1512/CS/2024.
“Accordingly, we have instructed our lawyers and they have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria challenging the judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered on the 4th Day of July 2024. Martin Amaewhule & 24 ORS, in spite of all their pretences, are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and they remain so until a court of competent jurisdiction says otherwise.
“Once again, we the legitimate members of the RSHA HEREBY call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant seats in the RSHA.”