During a virtual hearing via Zoom on Friday, the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt delivered its ruling on two motions filed by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule and other lawmakers who had defected.
The lawmakers were contesting an injunction from the Rivers State High Court that prevented them from carrying out their legislative duties.
In its verdict on the first motion, the Court of Appeal granted the appellants’ requests to compile and transmit the Records of Appeal. It acknowledged their Brief of Argument as filed, expedited the hearing, and halted further proceedings at the High Court.
However, the Court of Appeal rejected the appellants’ request for a stay of execution and the annulment of the lower court’s interim order. The Court stated that granting such a request would effectively decide the appeal prematurely. It ordered that the current status quo be maintained until the appeal is heard.
In relation to the second motion, which sought to overturn the lower court’s interlocutory injunction, the Court of Appeal also denied this request. It reiterated that the existing status quo should remain.
The respondents were directed to submit their briefs within 72 hours of being served. The hearing of the appeal has been adjourned to June 20, 2024.
