Just In : Court Takes Fresh Decision On Rivers Assembly Crisis
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has scheduled December 5 to begin the hearing of the lawsuit initiated by Edison Ehie, the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, in his bid to assume control of the state legislature.
Ehie declared himself Speaker amidst the Assembly crisis triggered by the attempt by the original Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, and 23 other lawmakers to impeach Governor Siminialayi Fubara.
Subsequently, he filed a lawsuit seeking to restrain Amaewhule from presenting himself as Speaker or overseeing the House’s affairs.
Initially, the court instructed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and resolution of Ehie’s case.
However, Ehie later initiated contempt proceedings against Amaewhule, alleging that his faction continued legislative activities despite the court order.
During Monday’s proceedings, a dispute arose between two lawyers regarding the right to represent Ehie in the case. K.C.O. Njemanze, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, informed the court of his hiring to replace N.O. Akporuvweku, who originally handled the case. However, Akporuvweku argued that he had not received any notice of a change in counsel and asserted that he and his team remained the plaintiff’s legal representatives.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand Oshoke, counsel for the first and second defendants, urged the court to consolidate and expedite the hearing of all applications filed in the matter, emphasizing its relevance to the legislative arm of government.
Justice Phoebe Ayua adjourned the case until December 5 to allow Ehie’s lawyers to formalize their appearances and for the parties involved to serve necessary processes on each other.
