In a significant development, the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt has upheld the decision to prevent sacked Rivers State Assembly members from parading as lawmakers. The court refused to grant a stay of execution, solidifying the decision to maintain the status quo until the appeal is heard.
The ruling marked a setback for Martins Amaewhule and other former lawmakers who had challenged their removal. The court granted some procedural requests but denied those that would have settled the appeal’s issues prematurely.
The judiciary’s role in upholding democratic principles and maintaining order in the state’s legislative processes is reaffirmed. The decision ensures that the actions taken to address the legality of the lawmakers’ positions remain valid.
Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the G60, praised the judiciary for upholding democratic principles, maintaining peace and stability in Rivers State, and preventing the ousted lawmakers from undermining democracy.
The legal battle continues, but the court’s ruling reinforces democratic norms, ensuring that the status quo is maintained until the appeal is resolved. The judiciary’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and maintaining order in the state’s legislative processes is reaffirmed.
