JUST IN: Wike Wins as Court Overturns Order Banning Amaewhule, 24 Others From Acting as Lawmakers

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has annulled the expulsion of Martin Amaewhule and 24 other members from the Rivers State House of Assembly. This expulsion had been ordered by the Rivers State High Court.

In a decisive ruling, a three-member panel of the appellate court stated that the lower court did not have the jurisdiction to issue such an order. The appellate court clarified that, according to Section 272(3) of the Constitution, only the Federal High Court has the authority to determine if the seat of a House of Assembly member has become vacant.

This ruling underscores that the explicit mention of the Federal High Court in the Constitution excludes state high courts from having jurisdiction over such matters. Therefore, the exparte order issued by the Rivers State High Court was declared null and void, as it was made without proper jurisdiction.