Peter Okafor
In a landmark judgment, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the Rivers State High Court’s order that restrained 25 members of the Rivers House of Assembly from performing their legislative duties.
The lawmakers had allegedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The three-member appellate court panel unanimously ruled that the Rivers State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, as it falls under the purview of the Federal High Court.
The court held that the trial court’s decision to grant an ex-parte order without hearing from the appellants was a denial of their right to a fair hearing.
Justice Jimi Bada, who delivered the lead judgment, stated that the trial court should have listened to both sides before making a decision that prejudiced the appellants.
” The judgment is a significant victory for the lawmakers, who had appealed the High Court’s ruling.
“This development sets an important legal precedent and has far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Rivers State. Stay tuned for further updates”, he said.
