Appeal Court to Decide Fate of Pro-Wike Lawmakers Today

Today, the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt is set to deliver its verdict on a high-profile case involving pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The ruling will address the appeal filed by Martin Amaewhule and 26 others, challenging a previous decision by the Rivers State High Court that favored the current Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo.

This legal battle began when Justice Dagogo Jack of the State High Court issued a ruling that not only restrained Amaewhule and his 26 co-appellants from performing their legislative duties but also vacated their positions within the State House of Assembly. An interlocutory injunction was subsequently granted against them, and this injunction has now been consolidated in the ongoing appeal.

On Thursday, a three-judge panel of the Appeal Court, led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada, heard arguments from both sides. After deliberations, the judges announced that they would deliver their judgment at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, instructing all counsels to be present.

A favorable ruling for Amaewhule and his colleagues would validate all legislative actions they have taken and allow them to resume their roles in the Assembly. The outcome is particularly significant for the political landscape, as the affected lawmakers are known to be loyal to Nyesom Wike, the current FCT Minister.