According to Daily Post, The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, has mandated the transfer of cases challenging the defection of 25 Rivers State lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Initially overseen by Justice Steven Dalyop Pam at Federal High Court 4 in Port Harcourt, these cases will now be handled by Justice E. O. Obele at Court Two.
This decision follows a petition from Hon. Martins Amaewhule, a defendant in the case, requesting a reassignment. The lawsuits, filed by the BOOT Party and other civil society organizations, concern the lawmakers' shift to the APC.
During a Monday hearing, Justice Pam read Amaewhule's petition aloud, which sought to halt the proceedings. Reuben Wanogho, representing the BOOT Party, urged the court to disregard the petition, suggesting it aimed to derail the case. Conversely, Ferdinand Orbi, representing the defendants, supported adhering to the petition.
Justice Pam noted that Amaewhule had yet to submit any formal motion or counter-affidavit, rendering his petition currently without standing in the case.