The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the Rivers State High Court’s expulsion of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from the Rivers State House of Assembly.
A three-member panel of the Appeal Court ruled that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to issue the ex parte order, making it null and void.
The court referred to Section 272(3) of the Constitution, which grants the Federal High Court the authority to determine if a House of Assembly member’s seat has become vacant.
The Appeal Court emphasized that the specific mention of the Federal High Court in Section 272(3) excludes state high courts from having jurisdiction in such matters.
