In a significant development, a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim injunction restraining the embattled Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and 24 other individuals from identifying themselves as members of the House.
Presided over by Hon. Justice Charles Wali, the court further prohibited the implicated lawmakers from convening or conducting meetings at the auditorium of the House of Assembly quarters, situated off Aba Road, Port Harcourt, or any other location, to undertake or purportedly engage in the legislative affairs of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This restriction is enforced as their legislative seats have been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
The lawsuit was initiated by the newly elected factional Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, along with two other lawmakers. The defendants in the suit include the Governor of Rivers State, the Attorney-General of Rivers State, and the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State.
Further details on this development will be provided in due course.
