JUST IN: Court restrains 25 pro-Wike lawmakers from parading as legislators

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has granted an interim injunction restraining pro-Wike Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 24 other members from parading themselves as legislators.

The court directive prohibits them from convening or participating in any official meetings at the Assembly premises.

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The court’s decision stems from an Exparte order filed against the Pro-Wike lawmakers by Pro-Siminialayi Fubara Speaker Victor Oko Jumbo and three others.

The interim injunction declares the seats of the 1st to 25th defendants vacant pending further legal proceedings.

Additionally, the court issued a restraining order, prohibiting Governor Siminialayi Fubara and the Chief Judge, who are 26th and 28th defendants in the suit, from engaging with Amaewhule and his 25 loyalists.

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This action is due to the defendants’ defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progress Congress (APC) on December 13, 2023.

The court also directed Amaewhule and the others to hand over all official documents within seven days.

The case is adjourned until May 29 for a motion on notice.