In a recent development, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the exparte order issued by the Rivers State High Court on May 10, 2024, as reported by Punch.
This order had barred Martin Amaewhule from parading himself as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The appeal court's decision was made on Thursday.
The appeal court also dismissed the state high court's decision, which had stopped 24 other members of the Assembly from accessing the complex or carrying out any legislative assignments in the name of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
A three-man panel led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada delivered the judgment.
The panel upheld the appeal filed by Martin Amaewhule, the factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and 24 others.
This appeal was against the Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and two others.
In its determination of the issue of jurisdiction, the court held that the Federal High Court is exclusively and mandatorily the only court that can hear such matters, not a state high court.
The court cited section 273 of the Constitution to support this ruling.
"The Federal High Court is exclusively and mandatorily the only court that can hear such matters, not a state high court," Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada stated.
This ruling clarifies the jurisdictional boundaries between federal and state courts in such legislative matters.
The appeal court's decision is seen as a significant development in the ongoing dispute within the Rivers State House of Assembly.
It allows Martin Amaewhule and the other 24 members to resume their legislative duties.