By Jude Opara
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in the appeal brought by the former speaker of the River State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 24 others against the Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo and five others.
The court decided to adjourn after all parties involved in the case presented their arguments.
During the virtual session held on Thursday, Amaewhule and the others requested the court to halt the implementation of a high court ruling that removed them from office, pause any further actions in the case, and nullify any decisions made by Jumbo while in office.
They also sought a speedy resolution of the matter, arguing that the trial court overstepped its authority.
After listening to the submission of the lawyers in the appeal, the three-man panel led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada reserved a date for judgment to be communicated to parties in the suit.
Additionally, the appeal court instructed that no other court, including the State High Court, should handle the case until a final decision was reached.
It would be recalled that a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt had prohibited Martin Amaewhule from acting as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly following a motion by the new Speaker, Victor Jumbo, and two others, declaring Amaewhule’s seat vacant.
Justice Charles Wali, in a ruling on the motion ex parte, also prevented the other 24 Assembly members from entering the premises or conducting legislative duties on behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Following the verdict, Amaewhule and others approached the appellate court
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