Victor Oko-Jumbo, the Speaker for the Pro-Governor Siminalayi Fubara Lawmakers Group, has asserted that the Court of Appeal did not affirm that Martins Amaewhule and the 24 other lawmakers who support Nyesom Wike remain members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (HOA).
In a video posted by Channels Television on their YouTube channel, Oko-Jumbo clarified that the court did not confirm that Amaewhule and the other legislators had not switched their allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He emphasised that their faction strongly believes the Court of Appeal made an error in its ruling, especially when it determined that the Rivers State High Court did not have the jurisdiction to hear and rule on the case that barred Amaewhule and his colleagues from identifying themselves as members of the Assembly.
The controversy revolves around the political loyalty and legislative status of Martins Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers.
The court's decision has sparked significant debate and division within the political landscape of Rivers State.
According to Oko-Jumbo, the Court of Appeal's judgement has created confusion and ambiguity regarding the true status of these lawmakers.
The Pro-Governor Fubara faction contends that the Court of Appeal's decision undermines the authority of the Rivers State High Court, which initially handled the case.
They argue that the High Court was within its rights to issue a ruling that barred the lawmakers from claiming membership in the House.
By stating that the High Court lacked jurisdiction, the Court of Appeal has, in their view, disrupted the legal process and provided a lifeline to lawmakers who, according to Oko-Jumbo, have already defected to another political party.
Victor Oko-Jumbo said, ''The Court of appeal did not make any declaration that Martins Amaewhule and the 24 other did not defect from the PDP to APC.
"The Court of Appeal also did not say that they are still members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
"We strongly believe that the Court or Appeal was in error when it held up hat 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.''
Watch the interview video here (start from 4:01).