JUST IN: Appeal Court Reserves Judgement in Martins Amaewhule vs. Oko-Jumbo Case

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, along with 24 others, against current Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo and five others.

The appellate court’s decision came after all parties involved adopted their briefs during a virtual proceeding held on Thursday. Amaewhule and his supporters are requesting the court to stay the execution of a High Court judgment that removed them from office, halt further proceedings in the matter, and invalidate any decisions made by Oko-Jumbo while in office. They are also seeking an accelerated hearing, arguing that the initial order was issued without proper jurisdiction.

In contrast, Oko-Jumbo and his group have urged the court to dismiss the appeal, claiming it lacks merit due to procedural issues with the appeal records.

The three-judge panel, led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada, has reserved judgment and will communicate the decision to the parties at a later date. On June 14, the appellate court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and cease all hostilities until the matter is resolved.

This dispute traces back to a May 10, 2024, ruling by a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, which barred Amaewhule from presenting himself as Speaker and restricted 24 other Assembly members from accessing the legislative complex or performing any legislative duties. The High Court’s decision followed a motion filed by Speaker Victor Jumbo and two others, declaring their seats vacant.

Dissatisfied with this ruling, Amaewhule and his allies sought redress from the appellate court, leading to the current legal proceedings.