The legal battle over the defection of 25 Rivers State lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has seen a significant development. The cases have been transferred from Federal High Court 4, Port Harcourt, under Justice Steven Dalyop Pam, to court two, presided over by Justice E. O. Obele.
Journalists and lawyers faced confusion on Friday morning upon discovering the transfer, as they initially gathered at court four. The realization came after an hour when notable Senior Advocates of Nigeria were missing from court four, prompting inquiries that revealed the transfer had occurred the previous day.
According to Vanguard News reports, The transfer followed a petition by Hon. Martins Amaewhule, a defendant, addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho. Amaewhule requested the reassignment of the cases against him to another court.
The cases, filed by the BOOT Party and a Civil Society Organization, challenge the lawmakers' defection to the APC. On Monday, during a resumed hearing, Justice Pam read Amaewhule's petition in open court. The petition sought to halt the proceedings, which Counsel for the plaintiff, Mr. Reuben Wanogho, opposed, claiming it aimed to obstruct the case.
Counsel for the defendants, Ferdinand Orbi (SAN), acknowledged the petition and urged adherence to its request. However, Justice Pam noted that Amaewhule had no formal motion or counter affidavit before the court and had not informed the plaintiffs of his petition. Consequently, Pam discounted the petition and proceeded with hearing motions for joinder.