According to punch news, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has invalidated the Rivers State High Court's decision to expel Martin Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly. The appeal court ruled that the state high court lacked jurisdiction in the matter, and that the Federal High Court has exclusive authority to decide whether a House of Assembly member's seat is vacant.
This ruling is a significant development in the ongoing political saga in Rivers State. The expelled lawmakers had been embroiled in a bitter dispute with the state's governor, Nyesom Wike, over their defection to the opposition party. The high court's initial decision had sparked widespread controversy and raised questions about the integrity of the judiciary.
The appeal court's decision has been hailed as a victory for the rule of law and a rebuke to political interference in the judiciary. Samuel Jotham, a political analyst, praised the ruling, stating,
"This decision shows that our justice system is still sane and can withstand external pressures." The ruling is a significant blow to Wike's administration and a victory for the opposition lawmakers.
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