Rivers State High Court Issues Interim Injunction Against State Assembly Leadership

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim injunction barring the Chief Judge of the State and the Clerk of the State House of Assembly from recognizing Martin Amaewhule and 26 others as members of the State Assembly. The injunction, issued by Justice Jumbo Stephen in suit PHC/2177/CS/2024, also prevents them from acting on any resolutions or articles of impeachment from this group.

The suit, filed by the State Attorney General and Governor Siminialayi Fubara, lists Martin Amaewhule and others as defendants, along with Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, the Chief Judge, Clerk of the State House of Assembly, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice Stephen’s order mandates all parties to maintain the status quo as of July 5, 2024, until further rulings are made on the motion for an interlocutory injunction, scheduled for July 15, 2024.

Furthermore, the court directed substituted service of the legal documents on the defendants by posting them at a specific location in Port Harcourt due to logistical challenges in traditional service.

The injunction marks a significant legal development amidst ongoing political and administrative disputes within the Rivers State legislative framework.

The court proceedings are set to resume on July 15, 2024, for further deliberation on the matter.