In a recent interview with Arise TV, Nigerian lawyer Barrister Festus Ogwuche provided clarity on the recent Court of Appeal decision regarding the lawmakers allied with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Ogwuche emphasized that the Court of Appeal did not grant any favours to either group but instead outlined the jurisdictional limits of the High Court of Rivers State concerning vacancies in the House of Assembly.

Ogwuche highlighted that the Supreme Court holds the ultimate authority to provide an interpretation that will satisfy all parties involved. He argued that the Supreme Court's final adjudication will offer a definitive understanding of the constitutional provisions at play in this matter.

In the interview, Ogwuche stressed that parties involved cannot impose their own interpretations on judicial decisions. He pointed out that the Court of Appeal's ruling merely defined the jurisdictional boundaries of the High Court of Rivers State concerning the issue of legislative vacancies.

Ogwuche noted that the National Assembly also possesses the constitutional power to determine legislative vacancies. However, he indicated that whether this aligns with the constitution and the federal framework is a separate issue that requires clarification. He asserted that it is the role of the Supreme Court to provide an interpretation that will satisfy all parties and offer a conclusive understanding of the jurisdictional and constitutional matters involved.

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FROM 10:44

Hear him: ''I believe that the parties cannot give their own interpretation to Judicial decisions. The Court of Appeal has not given anybody anything, it only defined one thing. And that is the limits of the exercises of jurisdiction of the High Court of Rivers State with regards to the vacancy of the membership of the House of Assembly."