RIVERS COURT EXTENDS INTERIM ORDER AGAINST PRO-WIKE LAWMAKERS

RIVERS COURT EXTENDS INTERIM ORDER AGAINST PRO-WIKE LAWMAKERS

The High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has prolonged an interim order originally issued on July 8. This order prevents the Chief Judge and the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly from engaging with the House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.

According to report from the nation, Governor Siminialayi Fubara, aiming to thwart any impeachment attempts by the Amaewhule-led Assembly, obtained the interim order through a lawsuit filed with the Attorney-General of Rivers State against Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers. The lawsuit also names lawmakers led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, the Chief Judge, the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as defendants.

Presiding over the case, Justice Jumbo Stephens, in the July 8 order, instructed all parties involved to maintain the current state of affairs until the court rules on the motion for an interlocutory injunction. The court specifically restrained the Chief Judge and Clerk from interacting with the 27 defendants and from acting on any resolutions or documents from them until the motion on notice is decided.

The court also mandated that the originating and other legal documents be served to the 30 defendants by pasting them at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters on Aba Road.

On July 19, Justice Stephens renewed the interim order, citing numerous applications, particularly concerning the legal representation of the Clerk and the PDP. The court considered the counter-affidavit filed by Amaewhule and the other lawmakers in opposition to the claimants’ motion for an interlocutory injunction.Justice Stephens stated that the extension of the interim orders is to ensure justice and uphold the court’s dignity. The interim orders are extended until the court determines the motion on notice and other pending applications. The judge has scheduled the next hearing for October 14 to address the legal representation issues and other matters.