Court of Appeal Affirms Removal of 27 Rivers State Assembly Members

In a recent development, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the removal of Martins Chike Amaewhule and 26 others as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as reported by Channels TV....CONTINUE READING

This decision was delivered virtually on Friday. The Appellate Court ruled against reversing the decision of a Federal High Court that had declared their seats vacant.  The Court noted that such a reversal would “amount to pre-judging the appeal currently before it. A three-member panel of justices heard the case. They fixed June 20 for the hearing of the appeal by Amaewhule and the other members.

This appeal is a request to regain their seats in the State House of Assembly. The justices urged all parties involved to “maintain the status quo and cease every form of hostilities until the matter is heard and decided. The removal of the 27 members has brought political tensions in Rivers State. The Federal High Court had earlier declared their seats vacant for reasons that have not been disclosed publicly. Amaewhule and his colleagues are challenging this decision, seeking reinstatement.