Rivers Assembly: Federal High Court Sets Date to Hear Motion Seeking to Remove Amaewhule, 24 others

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has scheduled a hearing for June 28th concerning motions aimed at removing Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 24 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The case revolves around their recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The presiding judge, Justice Steven Dalyop Pam, made this decision despite a petition from Speaker Amaewhule to Chief Judge John Tsoho seeking to transfer the case to another court. Justice Pam emphasized the need to proceed with the scheduled hearing amidst ongoing efforts by various parties to join the legal proceedings.

The lawsuit, initiated by the BOOT Party and other plaintiffs (FHC/PHC/269/2024), seeks a declaration that the seats of Amaewhule and the other legislators are vacant due to their defection. This case, ongoing since December, has witnessed contentious legal maneuvers between the PDP and APC, both seeking to influence its outcome.

During Monday’s session, Justice Pam addressed Amaewhule’s petition, which alleged procedural irregularities and sought a halt to the current proceedings. Reuben Wanogho, representing the BOOT Party, vehemently opposed the petition, labeling it an attempt to stall the judicial process unfairly.

Responding to the developments, Adeyemi Ajibade, National Legal Adviser of the PDP, affirmed that the court had not intended to exclude any interested parties from participating in the lawsuit. He criticized Amaewhule’s petition as ill-intentioned and disruptive to the court’s proceedings.

In contrast, Ferdinand Orbi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing the defendants, expressed uncertainty about the petition’s content but urged the court to await instructions from the Chief Judge regarding further steps.

Despite acknowledging that counter-affidavits to the originating summons had not been filed by the defence, Justice Pam emphasized the court’s commitment to procedural fairness and ruled against halting the proceedings based on the petition’s merits. The judge adjourned the case until Friday, June 28th, to address pending motions and ensure a thorough examination of all legal arguments.