Court Rules against Wike Faction of Rivers Assembly

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim injunction prohibiting Martin Amaewhule, the pro-Wike Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and 25 other members from posing as legislators.

This order came as a result of a filing by Victor Oko Jumbo, the pro-Fubara Speaker, and three other Assembly members aligned with the state governor.

Justice Charles N. Wali granted this injunction in response to a case bearing suit number PHC/1512/CS/2024, brought forward by Victor Oko Jumbo (Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly), Sokari Goodboy, Orubienimigha Timothy, all Assembly members. The suit named Martin Amaewhule and 24 others, along with the Governor of Rivers State, the Attorney General of the state, and the Chief Judge of the state as defendants.

Following an ex parte motion and arguments presented by Sammie A. Somiari, SAN, with B. N. Owunabo, Esq, and others on behalf of the claimants/applicants, Justice Wali ordered Amaewhule to cease acting as a lawmaker.

Recall that Amaewhule and the other 24 members had switched their allegiance from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), under which they were elected, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Meanwhile the assembly complex has been taken over by the police for protection.