The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has overturned the expulsion of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Rivers State High Court.
A three-member panel of the court ruled that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to grant the ex parte order that led to the expulsions.
The Appeal Court declared the ex parte order null and void, citing that it was made without jurisdiction.
According to the court, Section 272(3) of the Constitution gives the Federal High Court the authority to determine whether the seat of a House of Assembly member has become vacant.
The ruling emphasized that the Federal High Court has exclusive jurisdiction in such matters, effectively excluding state high courts from having jurisdiction in these cases.
The court’s decision reinstates Martin Amaewhule and the 24 other expelled members to their positions in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
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