BREAKING: Appeal Court Restores Amaewhule, Pro-Wike Lawmakers As Assembly Members

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the expulsion of Martin Amaewhule and 24 other pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly, which was previously ordered by the Rivers State High Court.

A three-member panel of the appellate court ruled that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to issue the ex parte order that led to the expulsions.

The court emphasized that Section 272(3) of the Constitution grants the Federal High Court the authority to determine whether a member’s seat in a House of Assembly has become vacant. As such, the Federal High Court has exclusive jurisdiction in these matters.

The appellate court further clarified that the specific mention of the Federal High Court in Section 272(3) of the Constitution inherently excludes state high courts from having jurisdiction over such cases.

Therefore, the court concluded that the ex parte order issued by the Rivers State High Court was made without proper jurisdiction and is consequently null and void.