Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo of the Pro Fubara Lawmakers Group addressed the recent Court of Appeal ruling regarding 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 the continued membership of Martins Amaewhule and others in the assembly nor did it declare their non-defection from the PDP to the APC.
According to Oko-Jumbo, their group strongly believes that the Court of Appeal made a critical error in its judgment. Specifically, he pointed out that the court held that the Rivers State High Court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter involving Suit number PHC 1512 CO 2024. This aspect of the ruling, he argued, was erroneous and has prompted them to take legal action.
In response to the court's ruling, Oko-Jumbo revealed that their legal team has already taken steps to appeal the judgment to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This appeal, he emphasized, aims to challenge the decision of the Court of Appeal and seek a reversal of its findings regarding jurisdiction and the status of the lawmakers in question.
During the interview, Oko-Jumbo reiterated that the Court of Appeal did not explicitly state that Martins Amaewhule and the other lawmakers had not defected to the APC. He also clarified that the court did not affirm their current status as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, further underscoring the need for clarity and a definitive legal resolution.
While highlighting their stance, Oko-Jumbo emphasized the importance of legal recourse to address what they perceive as a miscarriage of justice in the Court of Appeal's ruling. He expressed confidence in their legal arguments and affirmed their commitment to pursuing justice through the judicial process.
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FROM 04:02
Hear him: "We strongly believe that the Court Of Appeal was in error when it held up that the Rivers State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear and determine the Suit number PHC 1512 CO 2024. Accordingly, we have instructed our lawyers and they have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria challenging the Judgement.''