Court Extends Order Restricting Rivers Chief Judge, Clerk from Engaging with Amaewhule-Led Lawmakers

The High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has extended an interim order barring the Chief Judge and Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly from engaging with the House led by Martins Amaewhule. This extension follows an initial order granted on July 8, 2024.

Governor Siminialayi Fubara secured the interim order to prevent any potential impeachment attempts by the Amaewhule-led Assembly. The suit, filed by Governor Fubara and the Attorney-General of Rivers State, names Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers as defendants, along with legislators led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, the Chief Judge, the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice Jumbo Stephens, who presided over the case, instructed all parties to maintain the status quo until the motion on notice is resolved. The July 8 order explicitly restrains the Chief Judge and Clerk from interacting with the 27 defendants as Assembly members, and from processing any resolutions or impeachment articles submitted by them.

The court mandated: “An order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the 31st and 32nd defendants from dealing or howsoever relating with the 1st to 27 defendants as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly… pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.”

Additionally, the court ordered substituted service of legal documents on the defendants by pasting them at the Assembly quarters on Aba Road.

On July 19, Justice Stephens renewed the interim order, citing various applications and the issue of legal representation for the Clerk and the PDP. He noted that Amaewhule and the other lawmakers had filed a counter-affidavit against the motion for interlocutory injunction.

Justice Stephens stated: “I hereby exercise my discretion in extending the lifespan of the interim orders made on July 8, 2024. The extension… is in the interest of justice and for the protection of the dignity of the court.”

The case has been adjourned to October 14th for further hearings on legal representation and other pending applications.