Victor Oko-Jumbo, the Speaker of the Pro Fubara Lawmakers Group, addressed the recent Court of Appeal decision regarding the status of Martins Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly in a live coverage by Channels TV. Oko-Jumbo clarified that the Court of Appeal did not affirm that Amaewhule and the others are still members of the assembly, nor did it declare that they had not defected from the PDP to the APC.
According to Oko-Jumbo, their group strongly believes that the Court of Appeal made errors in its judgment, particularly in its determination that the Rivers State High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear and decide on the case that barred Amaewhule and the other lawmakers from functioning as members of the House.
During the Channels TV broadcast, Oko-Jumbo emphasized that the Court of Appeal did not issue a declaration regarding the lawmakers' party defection status or their current membership in the assembly. He underscored their dissatisfaction with the appellate court's ruling and asserted their belief that the court's decision regarding jurisdiction was flawed.
In response to the Court of Appeal's judgment, Oko-Jumbo confirmed that they have taken legal action by instructing their lawyers to file an appeal at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This appeal, he explained, aims to challenge the judgment and seek a different interpretation and resolution of the jurisdictional issues raised.
Oko-Jumbo reiterated their group's commitment to pursuing legal avenues to contest the appellate court's decision. He expressed confidence that their appeal to the Supreme Court will provide a clearer and more equitable resolution to the dispute over the membership status and jurisdictional authority concerning Amaewhule and the 24 lawmakers.
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FROM 4:02
Hear him: ''The Court of appeal did not make any declaration that Martins Amaewhule and the 24 other did not defect from the PDP to APC. The Court of Appeal also did not say that they are still members of the Rivers State House of Assembly."